British climber and guide fall to deaths while climbing Mount Kenya

Tributes paid to guide who ‘always wore a smile’ as climber named as British citizen Shilpa Shah

Kelvin Mwithi (right) was a renowned guide in Kenya and leaves behind a wife and young toddler following the incident (Robert Kamaru)

A British climber and her guide have fallen to their deaths after slipping on ice while descending Mount Kenya.

The woman, named as Shilpa Shah by members of Kenya's climbing community, died after falling a rock face on Thursday.

Her Kenyan guide, Kelvin Muriuki Mwithi, was trying to help her on a slippery slope when he also fell from the sharp drop on Africa's second-largest mountain.

Robert Kamaru (left) wrote a heartfelt tribute to his friend Kelvin Mwithi (right) (Robert Kamaru)

Ms Shah, 60, was part of a group of eight female climbers who had made the journey to ascend Point Lanana, the mountain’s third-highest summit.

Friends and colleagues of Mr Mwithi, who leaves behind a wife and toddler, have paid tribute to the climber who "always wore a smile".

His friend Robert Kamaru wrote online: "My friend has rested. Our hearts are broken. May his soul transition to the afterlife peacefully. May his selflessness inspire us to live fully, dedicating our lives to the service of humanity.

Mount Kenya is the second-largest mountain in Africa at over 17,000 feet, Mr Mwithi’s colleagues cite “slippery conditions” on the day (Getty Images)

“Kevin, a renowned Mount Kenya guide, passed away on [Friday] while assisting a hiker on a slippery slope. Both slid down the ridge and perished.

“The hiker is identified as Shilpa Shah, a UK national. Our prayers go out to both families during this difficult time of mourning and beyond.”

He added: “Go well, Kevin. Continue smiling gracefully in the afterlife.”

Over 15,000 visitors attend Mount Kenya national park every year with intentions to climb the peak (Getty Images)

Rescue teams had to make several attempts to recover the bodies on Friday afternoon due to poor weather conditions.

Ms Shah’s remains were flown to Nairobi while Mr Mwithi’s were taken to a hospital in central Kenya, according to reports.

A Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office spokesperson said: “We are supporting the family of a British woman who has died in Kenya and are in contact with local authorities.”