On 12 March 2026, President William Ruto visited Kapsabet School for the Deaf in Nandi County to offer condolences and support following a tragic accident that left one learner dead and ten others injured. During the visit, the President pledged and donated KSh 5 million (about $35,000) to aid recovery efforts and strengthen safety infrastructure at the school.
Earlier that morning, a group of students had gathered near the roadside inside the school compound to watch the presidential motorcade as it passed through the area. In their attempt to get a better view, several learners stepped onto the slab covering an old septic tank. The slab unexpectedly collapsed under their combined weight, causing eleven students to fall into the tank.
Emergency responders, including local authorities and teams from the Kenya Red Cross Society, rushed to the scene to extract the trapped children. One learner was pronounced dead, while ten others were transported to Kapsabet County Referral Hospital with injuries ranging from moderate to serious. Some reports indicate that two of the injured remained in critical condition following the accident.
Following the rescue efforts, President Ruto made a point of visiting the school community to meet with students, staff, and families affected by the tragedy. In remarks during the visit, the President expressed “deep sorrow” and emphasized the government’s commitment to supporting the injured learners and the school’s recovery. His KSh 5 million donation is intended to help with both immediate needs and longer‑term improvements, especially around school infrastructure and safety measures.
The tragic incident has since sparked public discussions about safety standards in schools, particularly in areas where children may congregate near open structures or roads during public events.
Witnesses to the accident described how the learners were excited to see the passing motorcade, unaware that the slab beneath them was unstable. The collapse underscores concerns about maintenance and oversight of facilities at educational institutions especially older structures that may pose hidden risks.
As families continue to support the recovery of the injured students and mourn the loss of the child who died, the President’s donation and visit mark a visible government response to an unexpected tragedy that has gripped the local community and drawn national attention.
