April 2016 Vol. 4 No.4

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Saina CK
Jemutai JJ

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Original Research Article

The causes and socio economic impacts of landslides in Kerio Valley, Kenya

Dr. Christopher K. Saina, Dr. Eudia Arusei, Dr. Mark Kiptui and Joan Jepkorir Jemutai

Department of Applied Environmental Social Sciences, University of Eldoret, P.O. Box 1125- 30100 Eldoret.

*Corresponding Author’s Email: sainachris@yahoo.com

Accepted April 19, 2016

Abstract

The main aim of this report was to explore some of the socio-economic factors affecting the vulnerability of households to the recurrent and escalating landslide hazards in Elgeyo Marakwet. This report analyzes the causes, extent and nature of the increasing adverse effects of landslides on communities in relation to the elements of socio-economic characteristics of the households. The main objective of this analysis is to draw inferences and establish the relationship of vulnerability of the communities to the adverse Socio-economic effects of landslides. After presenting methodology adopted the paper goes on to examine the extent of the adverse effects of landslides on homesteads, including the degree of damage to housing and the financial costs on recurrent slide-related damage in relation to the elements of socio-economic characteristics of the households. The evidence discussed in this report reveals that the socio-economic factors play a very important role in the vulnerability of households to the adverse effects of landslides.

Keywords: Adaptation, disaster, escarpment, mitigation, survival strategies and mitigation