KFS Helicopter Crashes During Take-Off in Kericho, All Occupants Survive

A Kenya Forest Service (KFS) helicopter crashed while attempting to take off at Kericho Golf Club on Monday, October 12, 2026, leaving the aircraft severely damaged.

The helicopter, registration number 5Y-FSK, came down shortly after lifting off, before gaining significant altitude. Kericho County Police Commander Kivindu Kilonzo confirmed the incident as emergency teams rushed to the scene.

Environment Principal Secretary Festus K. Ng’eno was reported to be among those aboard the aircraft. Initial reports indicated that several occupants sustained injuries and were taken to hospital for treatment.

In a subsequent statement, however, the Kenya Forest Service said the helicopter had four occupants—one pilot and three passengers—and confirmed that all were safe and accounted for. The agency did not disclose their identities or provide further details about their medical condition.

Images from the scene showed the green-and-white aircraft lying on a grassy field, with its tail section separated from the main fuselage. The area was secured as authorities prepared to investigate the circumstances that led to the crash.

Although heavy rain was reported in the area, investigators had not established the cause of the incident, and weather conditions had not been officially confirmed as a contributing factor.

The Kericho accident follows a fatal helicopter crash near Mount Ololokwe in Samburu County on August 19, 2026, which claimed the lives of all seven people aboard. Investigators reported that the aircraft struck a rock formation near the mountain’s summit before crashing.

Investigations into the Kericho incident are expected to establish what caused the KFS helicopter to lose altitude during take-off.