[Standard]Residents of Kipchumwa and Endo locations in Elgeyo Marakwet will never forget April 18, 2020 when a massive landslide killed dozens of people and buried others alive never to be found to date. Thousands of others were left homeless and scores injured during the landslide that also buried the iconic Chesegon centre, known for community peace pacts, on the border of Elgeyo Marakwet and West Pokot counties. Already, River Kerio along the border of Elgeyo Marakwet and Baringo counties as well as Lake Kapnarok counties are feeling the effects of continued environmental degradation with the latter now a flood plain. Environment Principal secretary Chris Kiptoo says the ministry will liaise with other stakeholders, including the villagers, to restore the escarpment through an integrated plan that will restore Cherangany hills and Elgeyo Marakwet escarpment. Says Kiptoo: “Deforestation and escarpment degradation will need to be addressed as a long term measure to end the cycle of deadly landslides.

Source: Standard Digital June 05, 2021 08:26 UTC