One Pupil Dead, Ten Injured After Septic Tank Collapse at Nandi Special School

A pupil has died and ten others were injured after a septic tank collapsed at the AIC Kapsabet School for the Hearing Impaired in Nandi County on Thursday morning.

The incident occurred as learners gathered near the school boundary to watch the motorcade of William Ruto pass on its way to Kapsabet Girls High School. Officials said the injured pupils were taken to Kapsabet County Referral Hospital, where one later died from injuries. Nandi Central Sub-County Police Commander Maurice Okul confirmed that the remaining pupils are receiving treatment, with two reported to be in critical condition.

Teachers, police officers, local residents and volunteers took part in rescue efforts as they worked to pull the trapped pupils from the collapsed structure. Witnesses described scenes of confusion and distress after the slab gave way and several children fell into the septic tank. 

Mary Chelagat, who was present at the school, said screams were heard across the compound shortly after the collapse. County officials later reported that eight of the injured pupils are in stable condition, while one requires specialised medical care. Nandi County Executive Committee Member for Health Angline Kirui urged schools to carry out regular inspections of sanitation facilities. She said structural weaknesses can increase risks, particularly during the rainy season.

The incident has raised concerns about the condition of infrastructure in schools, especially institutions serving children with special needs. Parents and residents have called for a full investigation to determine whether the facility met safety standards and to establish responsibility for its maintenance.

Emergency operations were coordinated by county disaster manager Laurine Cherono, who also encouraged the public to use official emergency hotlines to help ensure faster responses during emergencies.