Tragic Incident in Baringo: Kapsabet Boys High School Mourns Student and TeacherTrans Nzoia Launches Kazi Mashinani Youth Empowerment Initiative
BARINGO – A solemn air envelops Kapsabet Boys High School following a devastating accident that resulted in the loss of a student and a teacher. The incident occurred during an educational trip, casting a shadow over the school community.
According to Kenya News Agency, the tragedy struck on Saturday afternoon when one of the four buses, part of a convoy ferrying students for a geography excursion, veered off course and tumbled down a cliff. This unfortunate event unfolded in Baringo, with Kipsang addressing the media at the Baringo County Referral Hospital in Kabarnet later that evening.
Out of the 60 students involved, 59 have been reported in stable condition following the accident. Kipsang highlighted that eight of these students were transferred to the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) for specialized care, while two additional students were slated for similar referrals. The rest were set to remain under observation at the Kabarnet hospital overnight.
In a gesture of solidarity and logistical prudence, the unaffected students were accommodated at Kituro High School, preventing any night-time travel. Kipsang expressed gratitude towards various entities, including the Baringo and Nandi County Governments, St. Luke’s Hospital, the Red Cross, MTRH, and their medical staff, for their prompt response and support during this crisis.
The local leadership, including Nandi Governor Stephen Sang and Baringo Deputy Governor Felix Kipng’ok, echoed these sentiments, acknowledging the concerted efforts that mitigated the potential severity of the aftermath. They assured parents and the community of the ongoing support and stability of the situation.
The accident site, identified as the perilous Patkawanin corner en route to Marigat, is now a focal point for transportation safety discussions, with community leaders advocating for increased caution in challenging driving conditions. The Baringo community, united in grief and resilience, remains dedicated to the recovery of those affected and the reinforcement of safety measures for future educational endeavors.
TRANS NZOIA—The Kazi Mashinani youth empowerment initiative is now underway in Trans Nzoia County, marking a significant step toward enhancing local service delivery and improving the living standards of young residents. The program’s commencement was underscored by the distribution of essential tools across all 25 wards in the region, setting the stage for the initiative’s operational success.
According to Kenya News Agency, Jane Wachwenge, the distribution of equipment, including wheelbarrows, spades, slashers, hoes, reflectors, and rakes, is integral to the initiative’s objective of improving service delivery. This effort aligns with Governor George Natembeya’s commitment to boosting the effectiveness of local services and elevating the quality of life for the county’s residents, ensuring taxpayers receive tangible benefits from their contributions.
The Kazi Mashinani Initiative is a key component of the broader Ukombozi Empowerment Programme, which was launched by the county government to support vulnerable populations. The initiative has successfully enlisted 2,500 young individuals from informal settlements, who will receive a monthly stipend of Shs 5,000 for contributing 10 days of work in various shifts each month. Beyond financial compensation, participants are offered an opportunity to gain valuable skills through vocational training, further enhancing their employability and access to critical resources.