Research Article
Aseta JA
Abstract
The main objective of this study was to investigate the types of landslides and their causes in Kittony area of Elgeyo Marakwet County, Kenya. The specific objectives were: To determine he types of landslides common in Kittony area and identify the factors that cause landslides in the area. The study population comprised of 2000 residents of Kittony area in Elgeyo Marakwet County. Five local administrators and the County Geologist were included in the study. The sample size consisted of the following respondents: Two hundred and forty six residents of Kittony area which translated to 12.3% of the total population was selected as study respondents through Simple Random Sampling. One local chief of Kittony area and a County Geologist was purposively selected and interviewed. A descriptive survey research design was adopted. Qualitative research methodology was utilized during the study. 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 final findings of the study included: The types of landslides that exist in the area are mudslides, rock fall and earth flows. The heavy rains, poor soils and the rugged topography in the area are the factors that triggered landslides. The government despite assisting by providing humanitarian assistance and advising people to move to safer locations, more was needed in terms of relocating residents to safer areas and converting the affected areas into forest lands, building gabions to control soil erosion and controlling other human activities. This study can also be replicated in other areas having similar problems.