The recent Elgeyo Marakwet landslides highlight Kenya’s growing vulnerability to climate-related disasters caused by deforestation, poor hillside farming, and unplanned settlements. At least 26 people lost their lives, 25 remain missing, and 26 are hospitalized after the tragedy in Endo, Embobut, and Sambirir Wards. Continuous rains in the Kerio Valley saturated soils, triggering slope failures that destroyed homes, roads, and disrupted learning in 15 schools. This tragedy underscores the urgent need for sustainable land management, forest restoration, and resilient infrastructure in high-risk regions.

Structural Engineering Solutions for Slope Stability

Structural engineers assess slopes and select effective stabilization methods such as retaining walls, soil nailing, and ground anchors. Drainage systems, terracing, geosynthetics, and reforestation further control erosion. By combining engineering design with environmental planning, Kenya can move from reactive disaster response to proactive landslide prevention.

At Recon Engineering International, we recognize the devastating impact of landslides on lives, homes, and livelihoods, and we encourage efforts to enhance slope stability and prevent such tragedies in the future.