Landslide destroys 10 classrooms, laboratory

A huge rock hangs precariously on the slopes of Elgeyo escarpment at Sangurur in Marakwet West sub-county. [Fred Kibor]

A landslide destroyed 10 classrooms and a laboratory at Moi Kapsowar Girls in Marakwet West sub-county on Sunday night.

Area Sub-county Director of Education Evans Onyancha said no one was hurt, but preparations for Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education examination might be affected.

Water, Environment and Natural Resources Executive Abraham Barsosio said a team had been sent to assess the situation.

Meanwhile, residents of Sangurur in Marakwet West sub-county are living in fear after a landslide left a huge rock hanging precariously.

The rock is only held by a tree after the landslide swept away vegetation around it.

“It is a matter of time before the rock rolls down and it will spell doom for people and property downstream. Over 1,000 people live in the area,” said Mary Kosgei, a resident.

She said the ongoing heavy rains have resulted in numerous landslides that have exposed rocks on the escarpment.

Daniel Biwott, another resident, said locals are fearing the worst since the grounds is waterlogged and the area is classified as landslide prone.

Last week, in the neighbouring Marakwet East sub-county, a couple and their two children were buried alive after mudslide deluge submerged their home.

The local meteorological department has warned of more landslides if torrential rains continue. “The threshold of rainfall that can trigger landslides have been surpassed and the ongoing rains might bring more doom to thousands of residents,” warned area Meteorological Services Director Simon Cheptot.