Authorities have released the identities of all seven people who died in the helicopter crash at Mt Ololokwe in Samburu County as recovery efforts and investigations continue at the remote site.
The victims have been identified as pilot Josh Outram and six passengers, Roger Duarte, Adam Navaty, Stephen Vasconquez, Henry Parra, Michael Contugi and Suian Suarez, the only woman among those on board.
Outram was a fourth-generation Kenyan whose life was closely connected to aviation and northern Kenya. He had more than 15 years of experience as a pilot, working in both the conservation and commercial sectors.
He later founded an African helicopter company that offered flights to some of the region’s remote areas. The company also provided aerial support to Loisaba Conservancy and neighbouring conservancies, including assistance with wildlife monitoring, animal translocations and darting operations.
Outram developed an interest in aviation from an early age. After obtaining his private pilot licence, he went on to gain commercial pilot qualifications and built extensive flying experience in Kenya.
He had previously spoken about his connection to northern Kenya and described the Suguta Valley as one of his favourite routes. The area is known for its wildlife conservancies, volcanic craters, river sandbanks, lava pools and lake beds that attract flamingos, as well as its proximity to Lake Turkana.
The release of the names provides more information about those who were on board the aircraft, although authorities have not yet officially confirmed the nationalities of the six passengers. Identification and notification procedures are expected to continue as officials work with the relevant parties.
The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority confirmed that the aircraft was a Eurocopter EC130 B4, registered as 5Y-GYM. The helicopter was travelling from Soyian in Laikipia towards Loisaba Conservancy when it crashed at Mt Ololokwe.
Police officers and emergency teams were sent to the crash site after the accident. Recovery teams have been working in the rugged terrain around the mountain, where access has presented challenges.
The Air Accident Investigation Department under the Ministry of Roads and Transport is leading the technical investigation. The team is expected to examine the wreckage, available flight information and other evidence to establish the circumstances surrounding the crash.
The cause of the accident has not been established. Investigators have not linked the crash to weather, mechanical problems, pilot error or any other specific factor. The investigation will determine what happened during the final stage of the flight.
