A Kenya Red Cross staff member navigates the rugged terrain at the site of the Samburu helicopter crash amid heavy smoke on August 19, 2026. / HANDOUTSearch and recovery efforts are continuing at the site of a helicopter crash in Samburu county that killed six tourists and the pilot, with difficult terrain and an active fire hampering access to the wreckage.
The Kenya Red Cross said on Wednesday that teams were still working to reach and search the crash site near Mount Ololokwe, while an additional team had been dispatched from Isiolo to reinforce the operation.
“Search and recovery efforts are ongoing, hampered by difficult terrain access and an active fire at the crash site,” the Kenya Red Cross said.
The crash occurred at about 9.13 am on August 19, 2026, near Lolokwe Mountain in the Kirish area, according to the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA).
The aircraft was travelling from Loisaba to Ewasonyiro when it crashed in the rugged area near Mount Ololokwe.
Seven people were aboard the helicopter, including six tourists and the pilot, who were all killed.
Rescue teams led by the Kenya Red Cross were deployed to the scene, using drones to survey the remote and difficult-to-access crash site.
KCAA said the Ministry of Roads and Transport's Air Accident Investigation Department would lead investigations into the circumstances surrounding the crash.
“The aircraft was conducting a flight from Loisaba to Ewasonyiro when the accident occurred,” KCAA said.
The aviation authority said it was coordinating with relevant agencies and stakeholders in response to the accident.
“The Ministry of Roads and Transport, Air Accident Investigation Department, is leading investigations on circumstances surrounding the accident,” KCAA said.
KCAA also expressed condolences to the families of those who died in the crash.
“The Authority extends its deepest condolences to the families of the victims following this tragic incident,” it said.
Investigators are expected to establish what caused the helicopter to crash as authorities continue efforts to recover the bodies and establish the identities of those killed.
