Post disaster analysis report for Elgeyo Marakwet landslides

This study presents a participatory post-disaster analysis of recurrent landslides in Elgeyo Marakwet County, Kenya, focusing on the October 2025 event that caused significant loss of life, displacement, and livelihood disruption. Using qualitative methods, the research draws on community consultations to capture lived experiences and local perspectives across pre-disaster, impact, and recovery phases. Findings show that landslide risk is driven by the interaction of geophysical vulnerability, climate variability, and human-induced environmental degradation. Key factors include intense rainfall, fragile escarpment geology, deforestation, unsustainable land use, and settlement in high-risk zones. These risks are exacerbated by weak governance, limited enforcement of land-use policies, and inadequate early warning systems.

The impacts are multidimensional, affecting lives, livelihoods, infrastructure, and social systems, with disproportionate effects on vulnerable groups. The study identifies gaps in previous response efforts, which have been largely reactive and fragmented. It proposes an integrated, community-informed framework emphasising ecosystem restoration, sustainable livelihoods, risk-informed planning, and early warning systems. The study underscores the need for systemic, multi-sectoral approaches to address root causes and strengthen long-term resilience.