A three-year-old child has died after falling into an uncovered hole dug for the installation of an electricity pole at their family homestead in Oruba-Siany area, Suna-Oruba Location, Suna West Sub-County, Migori County.
The incident occurred on Friday evening, November 14, 2026, as the toddler, identified as Favour, was playing within the family compound.
According to Suna-Oruba Location Chief Charles Ouma, the child accidentally slipped into the hole, which had reportedly been dug by a contractor working for Kenya Power.
Family members later discovered that the toddler had fallen into the opening and rushed the child to Akidiva Hospital for emergency medical attention.
However, the child was pronounced dead on arrival, with the area administrator suspecting that the toddler may have sustained serious head injuries during the fall.
Ouma said the hole had been dug approximately four months ago to facilitate the installation of an electricity pole, but the contractor had yet to complete the work by erecting the pole.
The prolonged presence of the uncovered opening within a residential compound has raised concerns over the safety of children and other residents, particularly in areas where infrastructure works are left incomplete.
The incident has also renewed questions about the responsibility of contractors undertaking public utility projects to secure excavation sites and ensure they do not pose risks to members of the surrounding communities.
The area chief called on parents and guardians to remain vigilant and ensure that young children do not play near open trenches, excavations and other potentially dangerous openings.
Ouma warned that such unattended holes could become death traps, especially for children who may not recognise the danger posed by them.
He further urged members of the public to avoid approaching the openings and, where it is safe and appropriate, take steps to have them secured or closed to prevent further accidents.
The tragedy has left the family mourning the loss of the young child, while concerns remain over the safety of unattended electricity pole excavations in the area.
Residents are being urged to report similar hazards to the relevant authorities and contractors to ensure that appropriate safety measures are put in place before more lives are endangered.
