Ogamba condoles families of students who died in Homa Bay road crash

Education CS Julius Ogamba. /EDUMIN/X

Education CS Julius Ogamba has sent a message of condolence to families of students who perished following twin road accidents on Wednesday in Homa Bay county.

The accident involved learners of Ober Boys Boarding Comprehensive School, and Mbita High School.

"The Ministry of Education is working with law enforcement agencies to conduct thorough investigations into the cause of the two accidents. On my behalf and on behalf of the Ministry of Education, I send our condolences to the bereaved families, and also wish a quick recovery to all those injured in the two accidents," Ogamba said in a statement Wednesday evening.

He said the County Director of Education in Homa-Bay county is leading a team from the ministry to provide updates on the two accidents.

Regarding the chronology of events, Ogamba said the first accident, which involved learners of Ober Boys Boarding, occurred at Kibuon along Sondu-Ahero road after a matatu carrying learners from the school rammed into a stationary lorry.

Three learners were among the dead in the accident, he said, while three other learners sustained injuries and are undergoing treatment.

Ogamba said the parents have been informed, except one who is outside the country.

In the second accident, he said a vehicle hit four students of Mbita High School after it veered off the road.

The injured boys were rushed to Prince Richard hospital in Mbita.

The CS said two of the boys have been referred to Homabay Teaching and Referral Hospital for further medical attention and are currently in stable condition.

"I appeal to motorists to strictly adhere to the traffic regulations to safeguard lives especially during this week when learners will be travelling to their homes for the April holidays," Ogamba said.

The road accidents come barely a week after police warned motorists to guard against negligence that may put the lives of Kenyans at risk, specially as learners travel home for the April holidays.

Police spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga said public transport providers and other motorists who will put the lives of Kenyans at risk through reckless behaviour will face tough penalties, including cancellation of operating licenses.

“It is the responsibility of each school administration to ensure students are safely delivered home. Drivers of Public Service Vehicles (PSVs) are reminded to be extremely conscious of their duty while ferrying the students at this time,” he said.

In a statement to newsrooms on March 28, Nyaga said records reveal that most accidents are caused by preventable human errors, including speeding, dangerous overtaking, drink-driving, overloading and driver fatigue among others.