Why do landslides occur in Kenya, and what can be done to mitigate their occurrences?

Abstract Landslides occurrences in Kenya impact both urban and rural areas leading to significant environmental and socioeconomic challenges. This study investigates the multifaceted causes of landslides, focusing on human activities, slope dynamics, earthquakes, and precipitation. Data was collected through satellite imagery analysis, geological assessments and by reviewing published literature. The study divulges noteworthy findings regarding the impact of earthquakes on landslide occurrences, accentuating the seismic susceptibility of specific Kenyan regions. Additionally, the study explores the convoluted relationship between the characteristics of a slope and its susceptibility to landslide occurrence, highlighting the need for complete overarching strategies to slope management. The study also explores how human activities, varying from deforestation, improper land use planning, agriculture, mining, and engineering emerge as significant contributors to landslides. The research depicts how the natural environment and anthropogenic factors exacerbate landslides vulnerability of certain areas. Moreover, the study examines how precipitation patterns influence landslide initiation, emphasizing on the variation of different seasons that influence the occurrence and severity of landslide events in Kenya. This study offers valuable perceptions into the causes of landslides occurrences in Kenya and proposes mitigation strategies that can be applied to manage landslide occurrences with the aim of providing a summary integrated information on knowledge of where landslides occur in Kenya and their cause there by empowering all stakeholders to proactively address the impact of landslides and create a resilient environment in Kenya. The research findings have implications for environmental agencies, communities, and policy makers as they can contribute to actionable insights that will enhance landslide resilience in Kenya.