A helicopter carrying Environment Principal Secretary Festus K. Ng’eno has crashed at Kericho Golf Club in Kericho County, leaving several occupants injured. The incident occurred on Monday afternoon amid heavy rainfall in the area, raising concerns about the circumstances surrounding the aircraft’s failed take-off.
Kericho County Police Commander Kivindu Kilonzo confirmed that no fatalities had been reported, although several people sustained injuries. According to information obtained by Citizen Digital, five people were aboard the helicopter, registration number 5Y-FSK, when the incident occurred.
Five People Aboard Helicopter
Witnesses reported that the helicopter had barely gained altitude after taking off when it suddenly lost height and crashed back to the ground. The occupants were rescued from the wreckage and rushed to South Rift Hospital for emergency medical attention. Emergency responders and security personnel arrived at the scene to assess the situation and coordinate the response.
Police Commander Kivindu Kilonzo said authorities were monitoring developments, with further details expected as investigations progressed. The exact circumstances that led to the crash had not been established at the time of reporting.
Kericho Crash Follows Recent Aviation Accidents
The incident comes amid a series of aviation accidents reported in Kenya in recent months. In August 2026, a helicopter crashed near Mount Ololokwe in Samburu County, killing all seven people aboard. The aircraft, identified as a Eurocopter EC130 B4, was reportedly transporting tourists when it struck a rock formation near the mountain’s summit and caught fire. Among those reported to have been on board were high-profile international figures, including Ecuador’s intelligence chief.
Another aviation accident occurred in September 2026 in the Kipeto area of Kajiado West Sub-County. A light training aircraft operated by the Kenya School of Flying crashed, killing both a student pilot and a flight instructor. Police reports indicated that poor visibility caused by heavy morning mist was among the factors being examined in connection with the Kajiado accident.
Investigations Expected to Establish Cause
Following the Kericho incident, authorities are expected to investigate the circumstances surrounding the helicopter’s loss of altitude shortly after take-off. The heavy rainfall reported in the area may form part of the assessment, although the cause of the crash had not been officially established. The latest incident has renewed attention on aviation safety, particularly the risks associated with flying during unfavourable weather conditions. Further updates are expected as authorities establish the sequence of events and assess the condition of those injured in the crash.
