Elgeyo marakwet: Residents affected by the Chesongoch landslide in Elgeyo Marakwet County have received a boost after the Competition Authority of Kenya (CAK) donated food supplies, textbooks, instructional materials, and exercise books to support families and schools recovering from the tragedy.
According to Kenya News Agency, Elgeyo Marakwet Governor Wisley Rotich expressed gratitude to the Competition Authority of Kenya, led by Director General David Kemei, for their support. The CAK’s initial assistance involved covering medical bills and funeral expenses, and now they have returned to address longer-term needs within the community.
Governor Rotich emphasized the importance of the educational materials donated by the Authority, highlighting their role in investing in the future of children whose education was disrupted by the disaster. He also provided an update on the government’s resettlement program, noting that construction of permanent homes for displaced families was progressing.
The Governor assured that all donations and support received would be utilized properly, with a focus on permanent solutions rather than short-term relief. He mentioned a multi-agency coordination approach involving various stakeholders to ensure the success of recovery efforts.
Rotich also raised concerns about emerging drought conditions in parts of the county, stating that immediate efforts were underway to ensure adequate water supply for affected communities. He warned of potential challenges if rainfall delays persisted.
Director General Kemei recounted CAK’s involvement following the governor’s appeal to stakeholders after the landslide. He mentioned that CAK had participated in fundraising efforts and reaffirmed their commitment to continue supporting recovery initiatives.
Kemei explained that the donation was part of CAK’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program, which aims to support vulnerable communities while complementing the Authority’s core mandate. He detailed the donation’s contents, including food supplies and educational materials, and emphasized fair distribution among the affected population.
The Director General clarified the distinction between the Competition Authority of Kenya and the Communications Authority of Kenya, reiterating CAK’s role in promoting fair competition and consumer protection across the country.
The Chesongoch landslide, one of the deadliest disasters in the county, claimed dozens of lives and displaced many families. Ongoing support from government agencies, humanitarian organizations, and well-wishers continues to offer hope to survivors as recovery and resettlement efforts progress.