How Did 5 People Survive a KFS Helicopter Crash at Kericho Golf Club?

Quick answer: On Monday, 12 October 2026, a Kenya Forest Service (KFS) helicopter crash-landed at Kericho Golf Club in Kericho County, Kenya, while attempting to take off. Environment Principal Secretary Festus Ng'eno was reportedly among the five people on board. All five survived and were rushed to South Rift Hospital for treatment.

Key facts

• What: Helicopter crash during take-off
• Where: Kericho Golf Club, Kericho County, Kenya
• When: 12 October 2026
• Aircraft: Kenya Forest Service (KFS) helicopter
• On board: 5 people, including Environment Principal Secretary Festus Ng'eno
• Casualties: 5 injured, no deaths — all on board survived
• Hospital: South Rift Hospital, Kericho

What happened

The helicopter went down at the Kericho Golf Club as it attempted to take off on Monday morning. Kenya's national broadcaster KBC reported that the aircraft crash-landed at the club, with Environment Principal Secretary Festus Ng'eno reportedly among the five passengers on board.

All five people on board survived the accident. They were rushed to South Rift Hospital, where they are receiving treatment. The Kenya Red Cross said its response team was on the ground at Kericho Golf Club, working alongside other responders at the scene, and confirmed that all persons on board had been taken to hospital for treatment.

KBC reported that the pilot sustained serious injuries and had reportedly attempted to take off despite bad weather conditions.

Why this matters

The crash comes less than a month after fatal helicopter incidents were reported in Samburu and Kajiado counties, according to Kenyan media, raising fresh questions about helicopter safety in the country. The involvement of a senior government official — the Environment Principal Secretary — has drawn national attention to the incident and the official response.

What happens next

Aviation authorities are expected to investigate the cause of the crash, including the reported bad weather at the time of take-off. The condition of the injured, particularly the pilot, will be monitored at South Rift Hospital. Police have shared the identities of the five people involved, and further updates are expected as the investigation progresses.

Frequently asked questions

Did anyone die in the Kericho helicopter crash?

No. All five people on board survived. They were taken to South Rift Hospital for treatment, though the pilot sustained serious injuries.

Who was on board the helicopter?

Environment Principal Secretary Festus Ng'eno was reportedly among the five passengers. The helicopter was operated by the Kenya Forest Service (KFS). Police have shared the identities of all five people involved.

Where exactly did the crash happen?

The helicopter crash-landed at Kericho Golf Club in Kericho County, Kenya, while attempting to take off on 12 October 2026.

What caused the crash?

The official cause has not been confirmed. Kenya's national broadcaster reported that the pilot had attempted to take off despite bad weather conditions. An investigation by aviation authorities is expected to establish the exact cause.