Kirawa Road School has sent its directors to Tanzania after a learner died during an educational trip to Arusha. The school says it is working with local authorities and the bereaved family to establish what happened.

The announcement was made on Friday, November 6, in a statement shared through the school’s WhatsApp channel. No official cause of death was disclosed.

The death has raised painful questions for the family and renewed attention on the safety of learners during school excursions.

School Says It Is Working With Authorities

In its statement, the school said its directors had travelled to Tanzania to engage with the relevant authorities and support the family.

The circumstances surrounding the learner’s death were not explained. The school also did not provide details about the events leading up to the incident.

However, condolences were extended to the family, as well as to learners and staff who had been affected by the loss.

“We have lost a cherished member of our learning family, and our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with the bereaved family during this painful time,” the statement read.

What Happened During the Trip?

Updates sent to parents provide a timeline of the excursion.

Learners were scheduled to assemble at the school on Sunday, November 1, at 6pm before travelling to Tanzania. On Monday, November 2, at 1.30pm, parents were informed that the group had completed border clearance and was crossing into Tanzania.

The return journey began on Thursday, November 5. An update sent at 7.56am said the group was leaving Arusha.

Parents were later informed, at 6.39pm, that the learners had arrived in Nairobi. They were asked to make arrangements to collect their children.

Reports Point to Possible Drowning

Separate media reports have suggested that the learner may have drowned during a swimming activity on November 4. The family has reportedly sought a detailed account of what happened.

That account has not been confirmed in the school’s statement. The precise circumstances of the death remain unclear as the school says it is engaging with authorities in Tanzania.

The family’s questions will be important in establishing what happened and whether the appropriate safety and supervision measures were in place.

Questions Over Learner Safety

The tragedy has renewed concern about the duty of care owed to children during school trips, particularly when activities involve water or other potential hazards.

Schools and trip organisers are expected to plan carefully, provide suitable supervision and have emergency arrangements in place. However, responsibility in this case cannot be determined without the findings of the relevant authorities.

For now, the school says it is working with the family as efforts continue to establish the circumstances of the death.

The family deserves clear answers, while the school and authorities must ensure that the facts are properly established.