A student died and several others were injured on Thursday at Kapsabet School for the Deaf in Nandi County during a visit by President William Samoei Ruto.
The tragedy occurred when learners rushed to see the president. In the excitement, some climbed onto a concrete slab covering a septic tank, which collapsed under their weight, plunging them into the tank. Teachers, security officers, and emergency responders quickly rescued the students, who were taken to Kapsabet County Referral Hospital. One student succumbed to injuries.
President Ruto consoled the affected students, staff, and families, saying: “We stand in solidarity with the affected students, their families, and the entire school fraternity during this difficult time. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and the entire school community following the tragic loss of a student in this tragedy.”
He announced that the government would provide KSh5 million to improve the school’s infrastructure and ensure learners’ safety.
The visit coincided with the centenary celebrations of Kapsabet Boys School, one of Kenya’s oldest institutions of excellence, which has produced two of the country’s five Presidents and thousands of professionals. President Ruto pledged to expand the school’s facilities, including a science complex, 40 additional classrooms, a 1,000-bed hostel, and the recruitment of 20 teachers, now on the Board of Management payroll through the Teachers Service Commission.
Education and local authorities said investigations were underway to determine the cause of the slab collapse and prevent similar accidents in the future.
