The Kenya Forest Service (KFS) has confirmed that all four people aboard its helicopter survived a crash at Kericho Golf Club on Monday, October 12, 2026, as questions remain over whether Environment and Climate Change Principal Secretary Festus K. Ng’eno was among the occupants.
In a media statement issued on Monday, October 12, KFS said its helicopter, registration number 5Y-FSK, was involved in an incident at Kericho Club earlier that morning.
The agency disclosed that the aircraft had four occupants, comprising one pilot and three passengers, all of whom survived the incident.
“There were four occupants, namely one pilot and three passengers,” KFS stated.
The agency added that all four occupants were safe and accounted for following the incident, providing an official clarification after initial reports gave differing figures about the number of people aboard.
However, KFS did not identify the pilot or passengers in its statement. It also did not specifically confirm whether Ng’eno was among those aboard or provide details about his condition.
The principal secretary’s reported presence on the helicopter has drawn attention to the incident, with further clarification needed from the relevant authorities to establish whether he was among the four occupants.
KFS secures crash site as investigations begin
KFS said the crash site had been secured and investigations would begin to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.
“The area has been secured and investigations will commence to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident,” the agency stated.
The forestry service did not disclose what caused the helicopter to crash, the extent of damage to the aircraft or whether any of the occupants required medical attention.
Heavy rains were reported in the area around the time of the incident, although the agency did not attribute the crash to weather conditions.
Investigators are expected to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident and establish what happened before the helicopter went down at the golf club.
The crash occurred in Kericho County, raising questions about the flight’s purpose, its intended destination and the circumstances surrounding the attempted take-off.
KFS has not provided details about the mission the helicopter was undertaking or the identities of the passengers.
While the confirmation that all four occupants survived offers reassurance, the agency’s statement leaves unanswered questions about the identities and condition of those aboard.
Further official updates are expected to clarify whether Ng’eno was among the occupants and provide additional information about the circumstances that led to the helicopter crash.
