ELGEYO MARAKWET, Kenya — A devastating landslide in Marakwet East, Elgeyo Marakwet County, has claimed the lives of 26 people, including 14 students, as heavy rains continue to affect the region. Basic Education PS Julius Bitok confirmed the fatalities on Monday, noting that the disaster, coupled with ongoing floods, has directly impacted 28 primary and secondary schools. Despite the tragedy, the government has mobilized resources to ensure that national examinations proceed without disruption.
The landslide, which occurred on November 1, damaged key infrastructure, including at least three bridges, cutting off schools from exam collection points. PS Bitok, who visited the affected areas, explained that helicopters, all-terrain vehicles, and other logistics are being deployed to distribute and retrieve examination papers. Approximately 1,867 candidates in the region are affected, but the Ministry of Education, in collaboration with the Interior Ministry and the county government, has established alternative arrangements to ensure continuity of the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) and other national exams.
Local leaders and residents expressed deep sorrow over the loss of young lives and commended the government’s prompt response. PS Bitok extended condolences to affected families and reassured students and parents that no candidate will be disadvantaged due to the disaster. Recovery and rescue operations continue, with authorities prioritizing evacuation of affected families and restoration of access to schools. The incident underscores the vulnerability of Elgeyo Marakwet to extreme weather events and highlights the need for strengthened disaster preparedness and resilient infrastructure in the region.