Fourteen students among 26 killed in Saturday's Elgeyo Marakwet landslide
Bitok said the government has rolled out measures to support students affected by the tragedy, particularly those due to sit for national examinations this week.
Fourteen learners are among 26 people who lost their lives following a devastating landslide that struck parts of Marakwet East, Elgeyo Marakwet County, on Saturday, November 1, 2025, Basic Education Principal Secretary Julius Bitok has confirmed.
Speaking on Monday in Westlands, Bitok said the government has rolled out measures to support students affected by the tragedy, particularly those due to sit for national examinations this week.
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“I want to highlight that we had a tragic incident last weekend, in which 14 students lost their lives. It is truly unfortunate. We have put in place logistical arrangements and are working closely with our security agencies to ensure that all affected students are safely evacuated and can sit for their examinations without interruption. Personally, I am travelling there to supervise these arrangements and ensure that all candidates are able to take their exams smoothly. This loss is deeply saddening, and we extend our condolences to the families and everyone affected,” he said.
He emphasised that despite the tragedy, examination logistics have been secured to ensure candidates can sit for their papers without disruption.
“As a government, we are doing everything possible to restore normalcy in all schools in the valley and across the region, so learners can continue their exams and daily activities with minimal disruption,” he said.
Bitok called on all stakeholders to act with integrity as the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) large papers commenced, stressing the importance of adhering to the Kenya National Examinations Council regulations.
He said secondary directors have been given clear instructions not to compromise on exam integrity, and expressed confidence that, with support from security agencies and other stakeholders, a credible examination process would be delivered.
The PS also assured that all available resources have been mobilised to support invigilation, adjudication and overall exam credibility.
“Teachers have been deployed adequately to cover all centres, and learners are being closely supervised. We have made arrangements for marking to be done electronically, and results are expected within 40 days, allowing for smooth student placement and transition to senior school,” he said.
He noted that adjustments have been made to accommodate the three education pathways, STEM, social sciences, and sports, but emphasised that these changes have minimal impact on school fees.
Meanwhile, rescue teams remain on high alert, continuing operations under challenging conditions to recover missing persons and provide aid to affected communities.
The landslide, triggered by heavy rains in the early hours of Saturday, swept through several villages, destroying homes and infrastructure.
Rescue operations are ongoing, with emergency teams from the Kenya Defence Forces, National Police Service, Kenya Red Cross, and local authorities deployed to search for missing persons and assist displaced families.
Helicopters, ambulances and medical personnel have been mobilised to evacuate the injured and deliver aid.
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