Breaking!Environment PS Festus Ng’eno Injured As KFS Helicopter Crashes In Kericho

Environment Principal Secretary Festus Ng’eno and four other occupants survived with injuries on Monday, October 12, 2026, after a Kenya Forest Service (KFS) helicopter crashed during takeoff at the Kericho Golf Club in Kericho County.

The aircraft, a registration number 5Y-FSK helicopter, went down near Famous Hotel, sustaining extensive structural damage. Photos from the site showed the main fuselage severely damaged on the grassy grounds with the tail section completely severed.

Kericho County Police Commander Kivindu Kilonzo confirmed the incident, stating that all five individuals on board were evacuated to a local hospital in stable condition. No fatalities were reported from the scene.

Investigations Underway

Emergency response units and multi-agency security personnel quickly cordoned off the crash site to secure the wreckage and begin preliminary investigations into the cause of the takeoff failure.

The crash occurs against the backdrop of heightened public scrutiny over aviation safety in the country following recent fatal incidents:

• August 2026: A tourist helicopter crashed into a rock face near Mount Ololokwe in Samburu County, killing all seven passengers and crew on board after catching fire.

• September 2026: A Kenya School of Flying training aircraft crashed in Kipeto, Kajiado West, claiming the lives of a flight instructor and a student pilot amid poor morning visibility.

Civil aviation authorities and accident investigation teams are expected to release further details on the technical status of the KFS helicopter as site assessments progress.