Landslides in Kenya: A geographical appraisal

The landslide problem in Kenya has been little researched and there is a lack of information on both the distribution of landslide phenomena and their economic and social significance. The landslide risk in Kenya is assessed therefore in relation to geology, rainfall and slope gradient. Areas identified as being most at risk are those affected by major tectonic activity associated with the formation of the rift valley with deeply weathered volcanic soils and a high to moderate mean annual rainfall. Many of the areas thus identified also carry a high and increasing population density due to the limited areas of land in Kenya with sufficient rainfall to support agriculture. The economic cost of landsliding to the rural community is considered therefore to be significant.