A tragic incident unfolded in Mvita, Mombasa County, when a three-year-old child drowned in a swimming pool at a local school on the evening of Friday, July 31, 2026. The family had visited the facility to swim after the first school term had ended.
Relatives of the child reported that rescue attempts failed and highlighted the absence of a lifeguard during the incident. Abdulrahman Yusuf, speaking on behalf of the family, criticized the pool’s safety conditions, pointing out the lack of clear markings and inadequate separation between shallow and deep areas.
Safety concerns raised:
- No lifeguard on duty at the time of drowning.
- Absence of demarcation lines indicating water depth.
- Lack of child-friendly safety signs and warnings.
Investigations have been launched by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) as the family seeks justice for the loss.
Rising Drowning Incidents in Mombasa
Mombasa County Education Executive Committee Member, Dr. Mbwarali Kame, revealed that drowning cases involving children have increased, especially during school holidays, with eight fatalities recorded so far.
Dr. Kame noted that this was not an isolated event, referencing previous drownings in similar pools around the county, including Bakston House and Nyali areas. He stressed the urgent need for swimming pools to be made child-safe to prevent further tragedies.
Calls for Enhanced Safety Measures
Pool owners have been urged to adhere strictly to safety regulations. These include hiring qualified lifeguards, installing visible warning signs, and ensuring facilities are designed with children’s safety in mind.
Diriye Santur, Secretary General of the Somali Community in Mombasa, appealed for a thorough and serious investigation by authorities to avoid negligence and repeated incidents.
Police have also cautioned pool operators to enforce safety protocols rigorously to safeguard children and prevent future drownings.
