At least 26 people have been confirmed dead following a series of landslides triggered by heavy rains across parts of Kenya, according to local authorities. The weekend disaster has displaced hundreds of families, destroyed homes, and cut off major roads in the country’s highland regions.
Rescue Efforts Underway in Worst-Hit Counties
The Kenya Red Cross reported that the most affected areas include Elgeyo-Marakwet, West Pokot, and Kericho counties, where rescue operations continue amid fears that the death toll could rise. Emergency teams, including volunteers and county disaster units, are using excavators and sniffer dogs to locate missing persons believed to be trapped under debris.
El Niño and Climate Change Blamed for Extreme Rains
Meteorologists have linked the heavy downpours to a strengthened El Niño system, which has fueled unusually intense rainfall across East Africa. Scientists caution that climate change is amplifying weather extremes, increasing the frequency and severity of floods and landslides.
“This is no longer a once-in-a-decade phenomenon — it’s becoming our new reality,” said Dr. Faith Mwangi, a climate researcher at the University of Nairobi. “Communities in high-risk zones need urgent relocation and better early-warning systems.”
Government Calls for Evacuations and Coordinated Response
The government has urged residents in landslide-prone areas to relocate to safer grounds as emergency shelters are established for displaced families. Infrastructure officials reported several bridges washed away, disrupting transport and relief efforts in the affected regions.
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has called for a coordinated national and county-level response, emphasizing the importance of long-term adaptation and preparedness strategies as Kenya faces escalating climate risks.
