A Kenya Forest Service (KFS) helicopter crashed shortly after takeoff at Kericho Golf Club in Kericho County on Monday, October 12, 2026, carrying Environment Principal Secretary Dr Festus Ng’eno and other officials. There were no fatalities, though reports differ on the extent of injuries.Nation
The aircraft, registration 5Y-FSK (an Aerospatiale AS350B3e Ecureuil/H125), was extensively damaged, with its tail section severed from the main fuselage. It lost altitude and came down on the golf club grounds near Famous Hotel shortly after attempting to lift off, amid heavy rainfall in the area.Kenyans
Rift Valley Regional Coordinator Samuel Ndanyi confirmed five people were on board, including PS Ng’eno and three senior officers from the Department of Forestry. He said the pilot sustained injuries and was rushed to Kericho South Rift Hospital, while there were no deaths. Kericho County Police Commander Kivindu (or Kivinda) Kilonzo stated that several occupants were taken to hospital in stable condition and that investigations into the cause had begun. Some accounts, including a statement attributed to KFS, indicated all five escaped unhurt or with only minor injuries; other reports mentioned up to six people on board. PS Ng’eno was among those aboard, with some outlets reporting he sustained injuries.The-star
Emergency responders, security teams, and bystanders gathered at the scene. Photographs showed the green-and-white KFS helicopter lying on the grassy field. The exact cause remains unclear, with heavy rains and reduced visibility cited as possible contributing factors during the takeoff attempt. Authorities continue to gather information.Standardmedia
The incident adds to recent aviation concerns in Kenya. It follows a fatal helicopter crash near Mount Ololokwe in Samburu County in August 2026 that killed all seven occupants, and a light training aircraft crash in Kajiado West in September that claimed two lives, both linked in part to weather-related visibility issues.
Investigations by police and relevant aviation authorities are ongoing. Further updates on the occupants’ conditions and the circumstances are expected.