Kangema: The government has recommended the permanent relocation of residents in the highly seismic Musoso village in Kangema Constituency. Last year, the April-May long rains triggered a massive landslide in the village, prompting the affected 25 families to be temporarily settled at ACK St. Andrews Kiairathe church grounds, where they remain to this day.
According to Kenya News Agency, a geological survey was initiated to make an informed decision on whether to permanently relocate the residents from the area. Elijah Mwangi, the PS State Department for Mining, handed over the geologist’s report to the area member of parliament in Kangema, noting that seismic assessments had been carried out. The team of geologists recommended permanent relocation to avert disasters, as the area was found to be highly seismic.
Mwangi explained that the team assessed various infrastructures during the geo-hazard mapping and established that the nature of rock formation in the soil is prone to seismicity, making it highly susceptible to landslides. He added that with rains, the situation is likely to worsen, necessitating the permanent relocation of residents.
The report also recommended planting trees in the area to prevent soil erosion by stabilizing the soil and providing protective cover. Mwangi stated that through a multi-agency approach, they plan to carry out sensitization forums to encourage the community to plant more trees to prevent soil erosion and avert future disasters.
The PS urged residents to be vigilant and move to safer grounds when they notice earth movements instead of waiting for a catastrophe. He emphasized the need to work with NGAO officials to ensure the digging of terraces in landslide-prone areas to reduce water velocity and soil erosion.
Meanwhile, Mwangi called on residents to support the government in implementing developmental projects in the area, currently amounting to over 1.7 billion. He highlighted ongoing projects such as the Mau Mau road, the irrigation project in Kaihi, and the market at Gakira.
Area member of Parliament, Peter Kihungi, noted that landslides in the area date back a decade and that the geological survey will aid in making informed decisions on relocating residents. He recounted the history of landslides in the region, pointing out past incidents and the need for timely action to prevent disasters.
Kihungi also expressed gratitude to the church for hosting displaced families and urged them to continue hosting them until permanent resettlement plans and funds are secured by the government. One of the victims, Simon Irungu, thanked the government for their efforts. He shared how the families lost over 1,200 tea bushes and thousands of coffee stems due to the sinking land, which began in 2017 and worsened with last year’s landslide.