At least 13 students have been injured after two school buses were involved in a road accident in the Riting area, West Pokot County.
In a statement on Tuesday, July 28, the Kenya Red Cross Society said 13 injured students, comprising six males and seven females, had been evacuated to Kapenguria Referral Hospital for treatment.
“Kenya Red Cross is responding to a road traffic incident involving two school buses carrying 101 pupils in Riting Area, West Pokot County.
“So far, 13 injured persons (6 males and 7 females) have been evacuated to Kapenguria Referral Hospital for treatment,” the statement read in part.
The organisation also said it was coordinating emergency assistance, including evacuation of the injured, first aid support, and welfare services for those affected by the incident.
“Our response teams from West Pokot and Turkana counties are on the ground, supported by county ambulances and an additional ambulance from KENGEN, working alongside the National Police Service and other emergency responders,” Kenya Red Cross added.
Preliminary reports indicate that the students were going on an educational tour when the accident occurred.
The accident comes as schools across the country begin closing for the August holidays, renewing concerns over road safety during a period of increased travel by learners.
The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) last week announced plans to intensify checks on vehicles ferrying learners as schools prepare to close for the August holidays.
“As schools across the country prepare for the August holidays, the Authority reminds all road users, parents, guardians, school bus operators, and transporters of the critical need to prioritise the safety of our children,” NTSA said in a statement.
