Residents along the Kerio Valley escarpment in Elgeyo Marakwet County have been advised to move to safer locations after a significant ground crack appeared in Sangin Village, Kokwao Sub-location, Emsoo Ward. The development has raised serious concerns about potential landslides amid ongoing heavy rains.
County Director for Climate Change, Environment, and Forestry, Chelimo Suter, said the government is closely monitoring the situation.
“We are aware of the crack, which is about 100 meters long and located on a sloping area in Sangin Village. Almost 11 households are likely to be affected,” she stated.
Suter also highlighted other high-risk areas along the escarpment, including Soy South, Metkei, Soy North, Emsoo, Sambirir, and Embobut, noting they remain vulnerable to soil erosion during this rainy season.
The county government is collaborating with the Ministry of Interior to develop lasting solutions for affected communities. Suter cautioned residents against farming along the fragile escarpment, recommending tree planting, especially fruit trees, as a safer and sustainable alternative that can also support livelihoods. Plans are underway to map affected areas and implement restoration measures to prevent further disasters
