How fault-lines are posing dangers in Rift Valley infrastructure

Fault lines emerge in Nakuru County. [File, Standard] Geologists have warned over the dangers the fault lines in the Rift Valley pose to infrastructure following the formation of sinkholes and the sinking of buildings in recent years within Nakuru. In a statement, the Geological Society of Kenya wants the government to establish a local Geo-hazard observatory for real-time geological and geophysical monitoring. They want the government to integrate Geo-hazard risk zones into the region's longitudinal and land use plans. "The government must enforce regulatory requirements for Geo-technical assessments prior to building approvals within Nakuru and other rift regions," the statement reads. Further, the geologists want the government to develop and implement public education programs on geological risks and disaster response. They also want a detailed geological and Geo-technical mapping covering all high-risk areas of Nakuru and its environs to be done. "A clear understanding of the rift's active geological processes and concealed hazards is critical to reduce long-term risks and support safe, resilient development," reads the statement signed by the society's President Ng'ang'a Kuria. The geologists warn that Nakuru and its surrounding areas lie within the East African Rift Valley, an active tectonic zone where ongoing geological evolution continues to shape both surface and subsurface conditions. They insist that while the rift is a region of remarkable scientific and natural significance, it also presents substantial risks that must be addressed through informed and proactive approaches. "Following analysis on the Nakuru breakaway of the road last week, there is a need to safeguard infrastructure and protect communities in Nakuru and other rift-affected regions," they state. The geologists point Nakuru as the centre of one of the most active and geologically complex regions in Africa. They say that as a result, the county and its surrounding areas experience continuous volcanic activity and surface instability that pose significant challenges to infrastructure, development, and public safety. "Normal faulting causes central blocks of rock to sink relative to the adjacent elevated blocks, creating a stair-like topography," they state. According to the geologists, the faults contribute to widespread volcanism and further reshape the rift landscape. They warn that a key hazard is the development of ground fissures hidden beneath the soil and sediment, making them difficult to detect until visible damage occurs. "When rainfall enters the fissures, it accelerates erosion and widens the cracks while temporarily concealing them. The cycle increases the risk of sudden ground collapse, posing a serious threat to roads, railways, buildings, and other infrastructure," they say. Another problem is Lava tubes. Geologists say that once the lava drains away, hollow tunnels remain, sometimes extending for kilometers, creating dangerous voids beneath the surface. "The ground above them can collapse without warning, leading to sinkholes or subsidence that compromise structural integrity in both urban and rural settings," they add. The statement comes a few days after a sinkhole emerged cutting off a section of the highway along the Nakuru-Eldoret Highway on Wednesday evening through Thursday morning. The sinkhole followed heavy rains after which the ground caved in sending panic among residents and motorists. It was the second time the same area, within Nakuru caved in, raising concerns on the safety of the road and surrounding residential areas. "Engineers and geologists have been working on the occurrences in this area which has volcanic history," said Nakuru County Commissioner Loyford Kibaara. The same sinkholes and fissures were seen in May 2024, in various parts within Nakuru county. dchege@standardmedia.co.ke

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