Abstract
The landslides of the Lagam escarpment, Kaben Location, Marakwet, Elgeyo Marakwet County, are not only recurrent but are highly cataclysmic; causing mayhem whenever they occur. The first known landslides on the Lagam escarpment of Kaben location -Marakwet, happened during the 1961 El-Nino, when a major rainstorm hit the area (Kiptungu). These landslides re-fashioned Embosumer River and left huge boulders scattered over many farmlands. In 2010, a catastrophic landslide hit Kaben location and again, Embosumer River was the perpetrator, having broken its banks due to excessive water inflow. Many lives were lost and lots of property was destroyed. In 2020, heavy rains pounded the area causing massive mudslides that involved many rivers and streams; such as Embosumer, Emboreberwo and Karengor. As a result, twenty-six (26) lives were lost, homes, schools and farmlands were washed away and to date, there are several bodies believed to be trapped in the mudslide material. This study is geared towards investigating the causes of the recurrent landslides and proposing possible mitigation measures. Data was collected through secondary data analysis and has been presented in the form of ground photographs, satellite images and discussions made thereon. It is hoped that this preliminary study of the Lagam escarpment landslides will create awareness pertaining to the recurrent landslides and draw positive action from the area residents and all concerned.
Highlights
The Lagam escarpment is a section of the larger Elgeyo-Marakwet escarpment (Kerio escarpmant), that traverses Keiyo, Marakwet and West Pokot regions
1.2 Objectives This objective of the study is to investigate the causes of the recurrent landslides on the Lagam escarpment of Kaben location, Elgeyo-Marakwet County
3.0 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION The following are the possible solutions to the recurrent landslides on the Lagam escarpment of Kaben location, Marakwet East and on the Kerio escarpment: Afforestation, effective land use, adaptation of sustainable agricultural practices and creating environmental awareness. 3.1 Afforestation This is an exercise that should cover the Embobut forest and the Lagam escarpment; and it can be done in piecemeal
Summary
The Lagam escarpment is a section of the larger Elgeyo-Marakwet escarpment (Kerio escarpmant), that traverses Keiyo, Marakwet and West Pokot regions. The steep palisade is the western scarp of the Kerio Valley depression (Kipkiror & Towett, 2013). It is highly rugged, being dissected in many sections, by parallel escarpment rivers and streams. This gives it an appearance of wedged hills separated by sharp Vshaped valleys, which are believed to be fault lines extending from the Kerio fault, in which Kerio River flows. The vegetation cover on the escarpment and the Embobut forest is thoroughly degraded by escalating human settlement and agriculture in the unfavourably steep and rugged area. A large section of the Lagam escarpment is deplorably ‘bare’
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