Rescue teams are still combing through debris after a multi-storey building under construction collapsed on Friday morning in Nairobi’s South C area, raising fresh concerns over construction safety and regulatory oversight in the capital.
The building, estimated to be between 14 and 16 storeys high, came down suddenly in the early hours, trapping several people who were believed to be inside at the time. Emergency responders from the Kenya Red Cross, the National Disaster Management Unit, Nairobi County, and the National Police Service rushed to the scene and immediately launched a search-and-rescue operation.
By Saturday, authorities confirmed that at least four people were feared trapped beneath the rubble, with rescue teams using heavy machinery, sniffer dogs, and manual tools in an effort to reach survivors. In one dramatic moment, rescuers reported receiving a phone call from a person believed to be trapped under the debris, raising hopes of possible survivors.
Preliminary information from county officials suggests the building may have been constructed beyond its approved height. Reports indicate the structure had initially been cleared for a lower number of floors, but developers allegedly exceeded the approved limit despite earlier warnings and stop orders. Investigators are now focusing on whether negligence, poor workmanship, or failure to follow building regulations contributed to the collapse.
Nairobi County authorities have cordoned off the area as engineers assess the stability of nearby buildings to prevent further danger. Residents and business owners in the neighborhood have been urged to keep away as rescue efforts continue.
The incident has once again ignited public outrage over recurring building collapses in Nairobi, with many Kenyans calling for accountability among developers, inspectors, and approving agencies. Past government audits have revealed widespread violations of building codes across the city, especially in rapidly developing residential areas.
As families wait anxiously for news of their loved ones, authorities say rescue operations will continue around the clock, while a full investigation is launched to establish the exact cause of the collapse and those responsible.
