Six tourists and pilot killed in Samburu helicopter crash

Six tourists and a pilot have been confirmed dead after a helicopter crashed at Mt Ololokwe in Samburu County on Wednesday morning.

The helicopter crashed at Lolokwe Mountain at approximately 9:13 am on August 19, 2026, while flying from Loisaba to Ewasonyiro, according to the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA).

The crash occurred near Kirish, close to Mt Ololokwe, with witnesses reporting seeing thick smoke and flames rising from the crash site shortly after the aircraft went down.

A preliminary police report indicated that seven people, including six tourists and the pilot, were aboard the helicopter. Their nationalities were initially unknown.

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.