CHESONGOCH, Kenya – First Lady Rachel Ruto and Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen are in Chesongoch, Elgeyo-Marakwet County, for the handover of newly constructed homes to families displaced by the devastating 2025 landslide.
The handover on Wednesday, October 21, marks a major stage in the resettlement programme for households whose homes were destroyed during the disaster.
A total of 55 houses have been completed under the first phase of the project, implemented through a partnership between the National Youth Service (NYS) and the Elgeyo-Marakwet County Government.
Murkomen, who announced his presence at the event alongside the First Lady, described the handover as an important step towards restoring hope, dignity and stability for families rebuilding their lives after the tragedy.
Inside the New Homes
The completed houses are designed to provide families with permanent accommodation as they recover from the loss of their homes and livelihoods.
According to reports on the project, each unit has two bedrooms, a living room, a separate kitchen and a toilet.
Construction began in early 2026, with the NYS providing building capacity in collaboration with the county government and other local professionals. Officials previously cited logistical difficulties, including transporting construction materials to the site, as challenges that affected the project timeline.
The handover follows months of construction and resettlement planning aimed at moving affected households into safer accommodation.
Landslide Left Families Displaced
The Chesongoch disaster occurred in November 2025, when heavy rainfall triggered landslides and flash floods across parts of Elgeyo-Marakwet County.
The tragedy killed dozens of people, destroyed homes and disrupted livelihoods, prompting rescue operations and emergency assistance from national and county agencies.
In the aftermath, the government pledged to support affected families through relief assistance, compensation efforts and relocation to safer areas.
Some survivors were forced to seek alternative accommodation while awaiting the completion of permanent homes. In March 2026, the county government reported that construction was progressing for dozens of households, including families who had lost their homes in Chesongoch.
Resettlement Effort Moves to the Next Stage
The handover represents a shift from emergency relief towards longer-term recovery for the families receiving the houses.
However, the first 55 homes form part of a wider response to the landslides that affected several areas of Elgeyo-Marakwet County. County officials had previously outlined plans for additional housing for affected households in other wards.
For the families receiving the new homes, the immediate priority is rebuilding their lives after months of displacement and uncertainty.
The completion of the first phase also places attention on the progress of further resettlement efforts and the need to ensure that other affected households receive appropriate support.
