Kenyan Government to Fully Cover Medical and Burial Costs for Landslide Victims

Kenya, 3 November 2025 - The Kenyan government has pledged to fully cover hospital and burial expenses for those affected by the recent landslide tragedy in Elgeyo Marakwet County.

Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku confirmed that President William Ruto directed all relevant state agencies to support ongoing rescue and recovery efforts.

According to Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura, a multi-agency operation is underway to coordinate rescue, relief, and evacuation work.

Teams from the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), National Police Service, National Youth Service (NYS), Kenya Red Cross, and the National Disaster Operations Centre (NDOC), alongside the Ministry of Transport, Roads and Infrastructure, are actively involved in the mission.

A command centre has been set up at Eldoret Airstrip, which is serving as the hub for coordination.

Mwaura reported that four helicopters and a fixed-wing aircraft have been deployed to reach inaccessible areas.

Medical teams, including doctors and paramedics, are providing emergency care to the injured, while specialized rescue personnel continue to search for survivors.

Humanitarian aid, including food supplies such as rice and beans, along with bedding, mattresses, soap, and sanitary items, has already been distributed to displaced residents.

Kenya Red Cross Rift Valley Regional Manager Oscar Okumu said modern rescue equipment is being used to navigate the difficult terrain, with drones and other technology helping locate survivors in cut-off areas.

“We are working tirelessly to reach families that remain isolated,” Okumu added.

Local counties , including Elgeyo Marakwet, West Pokot, and Uasin Gishu have also dispatched ambulances and emergency teams to help with the ongoing operations.

So far, 21 bodies have been recovered from the landslide that struck between Friday night and early Saturday, while four people remain missing.

The landslides and rockfalls impacted Murukwo, Chesongoch, Kabietwa, and Embobut areas of Marakwet East.

A second landslide occurred later in Kaben village, though no further casualties were reported.

Heavy rainfall that had persisted for nearly a week finally subsided Saturday night, but road access to several affected regions remains blocked by mud, debris, and fallen rocks. Damage assessment continues as authorities monitor weather conditions and stabilise the area.