• The owners of the resort where the incident occurred, Nixon Koimur and Gladys Chepchirchir, attended the mass funeral. They were subsequently arraigned in court and released on a Sh100,000 bond pending investigations into the incident.

Arap Moi Primary School in Uasin Gishu County was struck by tragedy as five KCPE candidates lost their lives in a drowning incident during a school trip.

The unfortunate event has devastated parents, pupils, and teachers, highlighting the need for safety measures in the region's water bodies. This article examines the incident, the response from authorities, and the urgent call for enhanced safety precautions.

Abel Kipkemboi, Evans Kiprono, Caleb Kipkirui, Antony Kiptoo, and Godwin Kiprono, five promising candidates preparing for their KCPE exams, met their untimely demise when their overloaded boat capsized in an artificial dam at Amazement Park.

Although one survivor, Gideon Kigen, managed to escape the tragedy, he was rushed to the hospital for treatment. The community mourned the loss during a mass ceremony at the school compound.

Through Basic Education Principal Secretary Dr. Belio Kipsang, President William Ruto expressed his condolences, acknowledging the tragedy's impact on the victims' families and fellow pupils.

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In recognition of the students' bright futures being cut short, the government pledged special treatment in their secondary school selection.

“I know parents and fellow pupils suffered untold trauma following such a tragedy that occurred just days before the national examination. We shall factor in such disturbance and give the candidates special treatment in selecting schools they will be joining in secondary school,” Kipsang read.

Additionally, the government donated 5 million to Arap Moi Primary School to aid infrastructure refurbishment and serve as a memorial for the fallen candidates.

Investigations revealed that the boat was overloaded, carrying three extra pupils, contributing to the disaster. The incident has highlighted the inadequate safety measures surrounding water bodies in Uasin Gishu County.

Sam Kotut, the County Executive for Water, highlighted the risks posed by the 285 unfenced dams in the region.

Julius Melli, Chairman of the Parliamentary Education Committee, emphasized safety measures to prevent further drownings and called for improved fencing around water points and deep pits.

The burial service was attended by various Members of Parliament and Uasin Gishu County Governor Jonathan Bii, who expressed their condolences and pledged support to the grieving families.

“There were high expectations from both parents and teachers that the learners would post impressive results, but hopes were cut short by such a tragic drowning," Governor Bii stated.

The owners of the resort where the incident occurred, Nixon Koimur and Gladys Chepchirchir, attended the mass funeral. They were subsequently arraigned in court and released on a Sh100,000 bond pending investigations into the incident.