Landslide Occurrences in Kittony Area, Elgeyo Marakwet County, Kenya

Abstract

Landslides and other forms of ground failure affect communities all across the nation. Despite advances in science and technology, these events continue to result in human suffering, billions of dollars in property losses, and environmental degradation. As the population increases and the society becomes ever more complex, the economic and societal costs of landslides and other mass wasting processes will continue to rise. The objective of the study was to establish the types of landslides prevalent in Kittony area, Elgeyo Marakwet County, Kenya. The study population comprised of 2000 residents of Kittony Area in Elgeyo Marakwet County. Five members of the local administration, and a County Geologist. The sample size consisted of the following respondents: two hundred and forty six residents of Kittony area, the local chief of Kittony area and a County Geologist. This study adopted a descriptive survey research design and utilized a qualitative research methodology. The systems theory was used to underpin the study and a conceptual framework showing the interrelationship between the dependent and independent variables was used to guide and conceptualize the study. The findings of the study included the types of landslides that exist in the area.