Kenya Forest Service Helicopter Crashes at Kericho Golf Club, Injuring Five
A Kenya Forest Service (KFS) helicopter crashed while attempting to take off at Kericho Golf Club in Kericho County on Monday, October 12, 2026, leaving five people injured, according to local media reports. Environment Principal Secretary Festus Ng’eno was among those reportedly aboard the aircraft when the incident occurred.
The helicopter, identified by its registration number 5Y-FSK, reportedly came down within the golf club grounds near Famous Hotel in Kericho. The aircraft sustained extensive damage, with images from the scene showing its tail section separated from the main body.
Kericho County Police Commander Kivindu Kilonzo confirmed that occupants sustained injuries and were taken to hospital for medical attention. Initial reports indicated that there were no fatalities. The Kenya Red Cross also confirmed that its response team was at the scene working alongside other emergency responders, with everyone aboard taken to hospital for treatment.
The circumstances surrounding the crash remain unclear. Reports indicated that the helicopter went down shortly after beginning its take-off, but authorities had not established the precise cause of the accident by the time of publication.
Heavy rainfall was reported in the area around the time of the incident, raising questions about the weather conditions during take-off. However, it has not been officially established whether the weather contributed to the crash or whether another factor was responsible. A formal investigation will be needed to determine what happened.
Emergency personnel and security teams responded to the scene to assist those involved and assess the wreckage. The condition of the helicopter's occupants and the extent of their injuries remained subject to further official updates.
The incident has renewed attention on aviation safety in Kenya, following other aircraft accidents reported in recent months. Investigators will need to examine the circumstances of the flight, the aircraft's condition and the prevailing weather before drawing conclusions about the cause.
Authorities are expected to provide further information as investigations progress. For now, the priority remains the medical care of the injured occupants and establishing what led to the helicopter crashing at the golf club.
