A school bus ferrying students to a music festival overturned in Soimet, Bomet County, on the night of August 2, leaving six people injured, according to multiple reports shared on social media.
The school bus, identified from photos as belonging to Queen of Angels Comprehensive School, run by the Franciscan Sisters of St. Joseph, was reportedly involved in the accident at around 8:00 p.m. while transporting students to the festival.
According to sources, no fatalities were reported, and the injured students sustained minor injuries before being taken to a nearby health facility for treatment.
“At around 8:00 p.m. tonight, a school bus ferrying students to the Music Festival overturned in Soimet, Bomet County. Fortunately, no fatalities have been reported. Several students sustained minor injuries and are receiving treatment at a nearby health facility,” reported Mr Wanjala.
Photos Show Nighttime School Bus Rescue Operation
Nighttime photos from the scene show a yellow school bus on its side off the road, with crowds of people, including uniformed students, gathered around using flashlights, and interior views revealing the aftermath inside the vehicle.
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The images also capture residents, motorists and responders gathered at the scene, using flashlights and mobile phone lights during the nighttime rescue operation.
Other photos show emergency lights and several vehicles stopped near the accident scene as traffic built up while rescue efforts continued.
The cause of the accident had not been officially confirmed by authorities at the time of publication.
School Bus Transport Rules and NTSA Safety Crackdown
Under the Traffic (School Transport) Rules, 2025, school vehicles carrying learners are required to operate between 5:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. Students should not be transported outside those hours.
Ministry of Education also clarified that school buses may only travel at night without students on board. Education officers have been directed to enforce the regulations.
From late July, the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has intensified nationwide road safety inspections under Operation Watoto Wafike Salama, targeting vehicles transporting learners during school holidays and other peak travel periods.
“As the learners travel back home for holidays, ensure all passengers are seated and have fastened their seatbelts before starting the journey. Furthermore, ensure that no child or body parts are protruding outside the vehicle,” NTSA said in a post on July 24.
The operation includes roadside compliance checks, inspections of speed limiters, seat belts, tires, brakes, lights, PSV licenses and inspection certificates, as well as enforcement against speeding, overloading, drunk driving and driver fatigue.
This latest Bomet crash follows a series of school bus accidents reported in recent months.
In July 2026, two school buses collided near Turkwel Dam in West Pokot, leaving one person dead and seven others critically injured.
Additionally, in June 2026, a bus carrying 59 learners overturned along the Eldama Ravine–Nakuru Road, injuring everyone on board, although no fatalities were reported.
Also Read: Students to Battle for KSh2.5 Million at Kenya Music Festival National Competition
Kenya Music Festival Underway
The 2026 Kenya Music Festival (KMF) national finals are currently underway at Kibabii University in Bungoma County, bringing together learners from across the country.
This competition features participants from all 47 counties, including learners from primary schools, junior secondary schools, secondary schools, TVET institutions, teacher training colleges and universities.
The national festival began in early August after county and regional competitions held in areas such as Nyeri, Nairobi and Murang’a.
According to organizers, the festival aims to nurture talent, promote creativity, teamwork, cultural heritage and support the growth of Kenya’s creative economy.
The Kenya Music Festival is regarded as the largest school arts and music competition in East and Central Africa, with more than 140,000 learners participating in the 2026 edition.
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