By KPC Reporter
At least fifteen teachers died Saturday when a vehicle veered off the road, crashing into City Primary School, Nairobi’s Ngara area, during Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers elections.
The teachers were lining up to vote when the bus reportedly lost control and crashed into the school compound, crushing several educators on the spot and leaving dozens injured.
In a statement, the Ministry of Education described the incident as “heart-breaking news”, confirming that one teacher died at the scene while another succumbed to injuries while receiving treatment in hospital.
“Up to twenty-six teachers are undergoing treatment for injuries suffered in the accident,” the ministry said in a statement signed by Cabinet Secretary (CS) Julius Ogamba.
KUPPET officials termed the incident a devastating and preventable tragedy that has shaken the entire teaching fraternity.
KUPPET Nyamira County Organising Secretary Evans Matuga condemned reckless driving on Kenyan roads and called for swift action from authorities.
“We strongly condemn reckless driving on our roads and call upon the relevant government agencies, including the National Transport and Safety Authority and the National Police Service, to conduct thorough investigations and ensure accountability,” he said.
The Ministry of Education said it is working closely with the Ministry of Interior and National Administration, the Teachers Service Commission, the Ministry of Roads and Transport, the Ministry of Health, and the Nairobi County Government to coordinate emergency response and medical care for the injured.
CS Ogamba extended condolences to the families and colleagues of the deceased teachers.
“On my behalf and that of the Ministry of Education, I extend my deepest condolences to the families, friends and relatives of the deceased,” he said, adding that the government is supporting ongoing response efforts.
KUPPET said it is seized of the matter and will engage relevant authorities to support affected families and safeguard the welfare of its members.
Matuga urged the union’s national leadership to act swiftly to ensure justice and assistance for those affected.
Investigations into the cause of the crash are ongoing.