Ruto donates Sh5m to Kapsabet School for the Deaf after septic tank tragedy

President William Ruto arrives at Kapsabet Boys High School in Nandi county for its centenary celebrations on March 12, 2026. /PCS

President William Ruto has donated Sh5 million to Kapsabet School for the Deaf in Nandi County after a septic tank collapsed at the institution on Thursday, killing one student.

The Kenya Red Cross said seven other learners at the special needs school were injured after they were trapped under the rubble.

“Emergency teams from the Kenya Red Cross Society, county authorities and the school responded swiftly and rescued all those trapped. Seven students were injured and taken to hospital for treatment,” the humanitarian agency said.

Authorities indicated that ongoing heavy rains may have saturated the soil and weakened the concrete slab covering the septic tank, contributing to the collapse.

“Rainfall-related hazards are likely to occur. They may pose a threat to life and damage property. Be prepared,” the Kenya Meteorological Department said in an advisory.

President Ruto made an impromptu visit to the school following the incident, where he comforted learners and announced a financial donation to support the institution.

“I’m aware there are students from here who came to see and welcome us. Sorry for the accident that happened here, we will deal with that issue but I’m also here to visit you,” Ruto said.

“I’m very sorry to the children who were involved in the accident, the county government will handle that but I’m also aware that you have other needs,” he added before addressing the head teacher directly.

“Because I’m here, I will leave you with Sh5 million.”

Ruto was accompanied by several Members of Parliament from the Central Rift Valley, including Tinderet MP and Education Committee chairperson Julius Melly, Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei and Nandi Governor Stephen Sang.

In an update, the Kenya Red Cross said the situation had been contained and that psychosocial support, including sign language services, was being provided to the affected school community.

The President was in the area to attend the centenary celebrations at his alma mater, Kapsabet Boys High School.

Dressed in the school’s uniform, Ruto also attended Kapsabet Girls High School’s thanksgiving ceremony for its strong examination results and inspected a new 1,000-bed capacity hostel currently under construction.

He said the government remains committed to expanding school infrastructure as part of broader efforts to improve access to education and ensure no learner is left behind.

Towards this end, Ruto announced that another 1,000-bed capacity hostel, 35 classrooms, an administration block and a 2,500-capacity hall will be constructed at Kapsabet Girls High School.

“We are committed to expanding school infrastructure across the country, and we have built 23,000 classrooms while 1,600 laboratories in senior schools are under construction,” he said, adding that the government’s 100 per cent transition policy had reached 99 per cent at Grade 9 level.

While in Nandi county, the President also launched and inspected several development projects, including the Chesumei and Emgwen affordable housing projects and the Kapsabet modern market.

He later addressed a mammoth crowd of Kenyans and political supporters at kapsabet town.