Seven killed in tourist helicopter crash in central Kenya

On August 19, 2026, a tourist helicopter crashed near Mount Ololokwe in Samburu County, central Kenya, resulting in the deaths of all seven people on board. The victims included one pilot and six tourists who were traveling to the Loisaba Conservancy. The incident occurred at approximately 9:13 a.m. local time.

The luxury travel agency &Beyond confirmed the incident, and the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) initiated an investigation into the cause of the crash. While initial reports from the agency were cautious regarding the number of passengers, police later confirmed that there were no survivors. The Kenya Red Cross Society deployed rescue teams to the site to assist in the operation.

Authorities are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the tragedy. Although the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority mentioned a flight path toward the Ewaso Nyiro River, other reports specify the intended destination as the Loisaba Conservancy. Local police and aviation officials are working to determine the technical or environmental factors that led to the fatal accident.