Landslides Displace 40 Families in Keiyo South, Kenya

NGOBISI, KEIYO SOUTH – In a recent natural disaster, 40 families from Ngobisi, Soy South ward of Keiyo South sub-county, have been displaced following severe landslides. These families are currently taking refuge at Ngobisi Primary School and Murkomet RCEA church near Turesha, where they have been residing for the past week.

According to Kenya News Agency, Jonah Tanui, this incident is part of a recurring pattern of landslides that have plagued the region since 2018, particularly during heavy rainfall seasons. Tanui expressed grave concerns about the safety and stability of the area, urging the national government to relocate the affected residents to safer grounds.

Furthermore, Tanui highlighted the strategic importance of the Kerio escarpment, which serves as a vital water source for the Kerio River. He emphasized that the continued degradation of this area could potentially lead to the drying up of the river, significantly impacting local agriculture and livestock sustenance. In response, he proposed the conversion of part of the gazetted forests into a resettlement area for the displaced families. This move, he argued, would provide a dual benefit of securing homes for the residents while also allowing the Kenya Forest Service to establish government-controlled forests in the affected regions.

Tanui also called for urgent intervention from the Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KERRA) to address the frequent road blockages caused by the landslides. These blockages have severely impacted the local economy, hindering the transportation of agricultural produce to markets.

The situation in Keiyo South highlights the broader challenges posed by climate-related disasters in Kenya. It underscores the urgent need for comprehensive and sustainable solutions to mitigate the impact of such events on vulnerable communities.