Landslide occurrences is common in most parts of the world especially the highlands and hilly areas because they have steep natural slopes that are vulnerable during heavy rains and also because of their suitability for agriculture, they are inhibited by quite a number of people who further weakens the slopes and existing ground surface. Therefore, the landslide phenomenon should be considered seriously because of the magnitude of the damage and its effect on the ecosystem. In Kenya, mostly landslides occur in Murang’a County and frequently along the Kiriaini-Kangema road. This paper presents the findings and results of the research programme aiming at geotechnically analyzing the causes, areas prone to landslides and also slope stability. Particular focus was accorded to slope analysis where analysis were done and investigated for different soil parameters to determine the slopes susceptibility to failure during, before and after the rains. Slope stability analysis were conducted using the GeoSlope software and resultant factors of safety obtained. The experimental investigation mainly consisted of direct shear box test to assess the collapse potential and the shear behavior of soil, specific gravity teste and also compaction tests.
For an extensive and conclusive research programme on the landslide phenomenon, some key areas of interest were studied;
i. Geotechnical analysis of the underlying soil and materials
ii. Hydrology of the area
iii. Geological survey and analysis of the area using the available geological maps to assess the most critical areas.