KDF divers recover body of man after 6-day search in Chepkorio Dam
By Aloys Michael, September 14, 2025Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) personnel have recovered the body of a man who drowned in Chepkorio Dam, bringing to an end a tense six-day search operation in Ngeria, Uasin Gishu County.
The middle-aged man is said to have slipped and fallen into the dam, which lies along the busy Eldoret–Nakuru highway. The operation involved specialised KDF divers who navigated the dam’s murky waters in a mission marked by precision, endurance, and community concern.
The team comprised personnel from the Kenya Navy Clearance Diving Unit (KN CDU) and the 9th Battalion, Kenya Rifles (9 KR).
“The recovery, conducted on 13 September 2025, marked the culmination of a six-day search and rescue operation. Earlier attempts by other agencies and local divers had been unsuccessful due to the dam’s 80-foot depth and difficult underwater conditions,” KDF said in a X post on Sunday, September 14, 2025.
Local divers had initially attempted to locate the body, but their efforts failed due to the dam’s extreme depth, which is estimated to be approximately 80 feet.
“To overcome these challenges, KDF deployed a specialised team equipped with advanced JJ Closed Circuit Rebreather (CCR) systems, which provided longer dive durations and extended search range beyond the limits of conventional SCUBA equipment,” KDF explained.
Notably, CCR systems, unlike the traditional SCUBA gear, are used in more technical settings, like in the oil and gas industry, where divers are required to perform inspections and repairs of offshore rigs.
This capability enabled the KDF divers to successfully locate and recover the body in a much shorter time.
While the identity of the man is yet to be made public, the body is set for forensic examination before official confirmation and family notification.
“The remains were handed over to the local police for further procedures,” the statement read.
The operation highlighted the professionalism, technical expertise, and commitment of KDF personnel in humanitarian response.
It also reflects the wider mission of the Kenya Defence Forces in supporting national resilience and emergency operations.
“KDF extends its heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased. May they find comfort and strength during this difficult time.”