First Lady Rachel Ruto has handed over new homes to families who survived the deadly 2025 landslide in Chesongoch, Elgeyo Marakwet County.

People Daily and KBC reported that 53 houses were handed over on Wednesday, 21 October 2026. Another outlet put the figure at 55.

Built through partnership

KBC said the houses were built through a partnership involving the National Youth Service (NYS), the county government, professionals from the region, corporate partners and other well-wishers.

The First Lady also broke ground on a community resource centre and an ICT centre, to be set up by her Joyful Women Organisation.

"We laid the foundation for a Chesongoch Resource Centre and ICT Hub to expand opportunities for women and young people," she said.

A community rebuilding

The Chesongoch mudslide struck the Kerio Valley escarpment in 2025, burying homes and killing dozens of people. Reports differ on the final death toll, which People Daily put at more than 30 and KBC at more than 39. Many families lost relatives, houses and livestock and had been living with relatives or in temporary shelters.

The Kerio Valley's steep slopes make it prone to landslides during heavy rain. The government had promised to resettle survivors in safer areas.

Rain warning

The handover comes as the Kenya Meteorological Department warns of heavy rain in several counties, including parts of the Rift Valley. Residents of landslide-prone areas are urged to stay alert and move to safer ground if they see warning signs such as cracks in the soil or unusual water flows.

Photo: KBC