Government Helicopter Carrying PS Festus Ng’eno Crash-Lands in Kericho

A government helicopter carrying Environment Principal Secretary Dr Festus Ng’eno and other senior officials crash-landed at Kericho Golf Club on Monday, injuring the pilot and leaving the aircraft heavily damaged. 

All five people on board survived. The helicopter came down shortly after attempting to take off from the golf club, where the delegation had attended official engagements. The passengers included Ng’eno and several senior officers from the forestry sector.

Rift Valley Regional Coordinator Samuel Ndanyi said emergency teams responded to the incident. The pilot sustained serious injuries and was taken to Kericho South Rift Hospital for treatment, while the other occupants escaped unharmed.

Photographs from the scene showed the helicopter lying on a grassy section of the golf course, with extensive damage to its structure. The tail assembly appeared to have separated from the main body, while debris was scattered around the wreckage. The aircraft's registration markings identified it as 5Y-JESK.

The helicopter, painted green and white, was reportedly linked to the forestry department and was being used to transport government personnel on official duties. Images from the scene showed light rainfall in the area around the time of the crash. However, authorities had not confirmed whether weather conditions contributed to the incident.

Kericho County Police Commander Kivinda Kilonzo confirmed that investigations had begun. Aviation and security officials are expected to inspect the wreckage, review the aircraft's operational procedures and interview witnesses to establish what led to the crash.

The investigation will seek to determine the sequence of events during the attempted take-off and establish whether mechanical problems, operational factors or other circumstances contributed to the accident.