KVDA donates essential items to victims of Elgeyo Marakwet mudslides

The Kerio Valley Development Authority has stepped in to support families affected by the recent mudslides in Elgeyo Marakwet County.

The authority has donated essential relief items, including 200 cartons of water, 200 cartons of milk, 25 bales of sugar,12 bales of tea leaves, 10 bales of porridge flour and 20 cartons of mango juice.

Speaking during the donation exercise at the Eldoret Airstrip, KVDA finance director Moses Kipchumba said the gesture is part of the agency’s continued commitment to stand with communities in times of need.

He emphasized the authority not only focuses on implementing development projects but also values humanitarian support and social welfare across the Kerio Valley region.

“As a development agency, we are deeply touched by the plight of the affected families. We believe in uplifting communities, especially during difficult moments like this, and we will continue offering as much support as we can,” said Kipchumba.

KVDA plays a vital role in disaster response, mitigation, and long-term recovery within the North Rift region, which includes Elgeyo Marakwet, Baringo, West Pokot, Turkana, and Samburu counties.

Local leaders, including the Governor of Uasin Gishu County, Jonathan Bii, and the Elgeyo Marakwet women representative, Caroline Ng’elechei, received the donations and lauded KVDA for the timely intervention, saying the continued support by well-wishers continues to bring “relief and hope to families who lost homes and livelihoods” to the heavy rains and mudslides that swept through parts of the county last week.

“Words are not even enough to express our gratitude for all the donations we have received so far. At least through donations such as this, the affected families can get the basic needs, even as the County Government of Elgeyo Marakwet continues to evaluate ways to offer settlement to the displaced families,” said Ng’elechei.

From the rescue mission, 34 bodies have already been recovered, and 19 other are still missing. The county governments of Elgeyo Marakwet, Uasin Gishu and Nandi counties have been working in collaboration since Saturday in the airlifting of the survivors to the hospital, as well as in the supply of donated items to the affected residents of Chesongoch.