A helicopter crashed at Kericho Golf Club on Monday, October 12, while attempting to take off, prompting an emergency response and the evacuation of those on board.
The five occupants were taken to hospital for medical assessment following the crash and were reported to be in safe condition.
Preliminary information indicates poor weather may have contributed to the incident, although the exact cause of the crash had not been officially established.
The helicopter came down within the golf club compound shortly after takeoff, prompting an emergency response and drawing attention from members of the public at the scene.
Why Helicopters Use Golf Courses
Golf courses are commonly used as temporary landing and takeoff sites for helicopters because they offer large open spaces free from many of the obstacles found in built-up areas.
The expansive grounds provide pilots with enough room to land and depart safely, particularly in regions without dedicated helipads or nearby airstrips.
In Kenya, helicopters carrying politicians, business leaders, tourists and private passengers frequently use golf courses, sports grounds and other open fields as convenient access points.
Such sites are often chosen because they are located close to town centres, hotels, event venues and road networks.
Aviation operators regularly make use of these facilities for passenger drop-offs and pick-ups, provided the necessary safety considerations are met.
It was not immediately clear why the helicopter involved in the Kericho Golf Club crash was operating from the venue.
However, golf courses have long served as landing points for helicopters travelling to and from areas without dedicated aviation infrastructure.
