One person died while seven others sustained serious injuries after two school buses carrying learners and teachers collided at Riting near Turkwel Dam along the Kitale-Lodwar Highway in West Pokot County.
West Pokot County Commissioner David Saruni confirmed the fatality, saying more than 100 people were involved in the accident, including 81 students from Sirsiron Primary School in Nandi County and Lodwar Boys High School in Turkana County.
The learners were on an educational tour to the Turkwel Gorge Dam and were accompanied by their teachers. The remaining occupants included the accompanying teachers and the two bus drivers.
The injured were rushed to Kapenguria County Referral Hospital, where medical teams mounted an emergency response to attend to the victims.
West Pokot Governor Simon Kachapin, accompanied by Nandi Deputy Governor Dr. Yulita Mitei and officials from the Ministry of Education, visited the injured learners and teachers at the hospital to assess their condition and offer support.
Governor Kachapin said most of the victims sustained minor injuries and were responding well to treatment, adding that many were expected to be discharged after medical assessment.
He noted that only two patients had been referred to Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret for specialized treatment, while a few others remained under observation.
“We are grateful that the response by our medical teams and the Kenya Red Cross was swift, helping stabilize the victims. We also appreciate the Nandi County delegation for traveling here promptly to stand with the affected learners and their families,” said Kachapin.
Dr. Mitei praised the emergency response mounted by the West Pokot County Department of Health, saying Kapenguria County Referral Hospital had demonstrated the benefits of devolution through its ability to effectively handle a major emergency.
“The professionalism and preparedness displayed by the medical teams here are commendable. It is a clear testament to how devolution has strengthened healthcare services and emergency response,” she said.
Preliminary reports indicate that the collision occurred after one of the buses reportedly developed brake failure before crashing into the other. Police have launched investigations to establish the exact cause of the accident.
County Commissioner Saruni urged motorists to ensure their vehicles are roadworthy before embarking on long journeys, especially when transporting school children, to help prevent similar tragedies.
By Parklea Ivor
