Boy's Head Decapitated By Self Propelled Tea-Plucking Machine In Kericho

A ten-year-old has died following a fatal accident at the Cheptabes tea Estate in Kericho County. The boy was cut by a self-propelled tea-plucking machine while playing nearby. At the time of the incident, the machine was harvesting tea at a firm belonging to the Mames Finlays Tea Company.

According to a report by Kenya Plantation Agricultural Workers Union Kericho branch Secretary Dickson Sang, the boy was curious about how the machine worked. His head was decapitated by the blades of the machine creating a horrendous scene splashed by blood.

The boy’s torso was discovered around the blades by the supervisor of the day.

The Union’s secretary blamed the company for applying the machine on the firm without conducting a risk assessment test.

The secretary added saying several accidents have happened since the introduction of the machines at the firm

The James Finlay Company in a press statement apologized for the unfortunate accident and is set to support the family in every way.

The company has since reviewed the operation of the self-propelled tea harvesting machine. Meanwhile investigations have been launched into the matter.

The body of the deceased has been moved to Kericho County Referral Hospital mortuary