Kenyan school stampede: Families get Sh200,000 compensation each

A group of well-wishers have donated an amount of money that will see the sum of 200,000 Kenyan Shilling ($1,976) given to each family who lost their children to a school stampede.

On the 3rd of February, at least 15 students were killed in a stampede at Kakamega Primary School, Kagame, Kenya.

According to reports, the donation was released on Friday after parents complained about the delay in releasing the funds despite the money having been raised to cater for funeral expenses.

Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya explained the cause of the delay in releasing the funds collected by well-wishers, saying, "We thought it best to let the families grieve first, but today we want to close this chapter. There is no replacement for life even if you are given Sh100 million, but this is just to cushion you financially during these tough times," he said.

"When the ongoing investigations are completed, the report should be made public to ensure that there won't be a repetition of the same in the future," Oparanya said.

The governor said the funeral committee received Sh6,050,000 from well-wishers including the national government and the Council of Governors.

The money was distributed equally among the affected families. Thirteen families were given Sh276,000 each, while two families of Islam faith were given Sh300,000 each as they did not incur the cost of coffins for their departed children.

All the 15 pupils who perished in the stampede have been buried in different parts of the county and beyond. The county government incurred Sh1.2 million in hospital bills, mortuary charges and organising the funeral service.

A total of Sh350,000 was given to parents of the seven children who were severely injured during the stampede, with each family getting Sh50,000.[The Star]