Rescue efforts are underway in Nairobi after a 16‑story building under construction collapsed on Friday, leaving at least four people trapped, according to Kenyan authorities. The incident occurred in the South C area of the capital, where a multi‑agency response team is managing the situation. Preliminary investigations suggest that the collapse was caused by column overload. The building had been approved for a maximum of 12 floors but had already reached 14 floors at the time of the failure.
Geoffrey Ruku, the cabinet secretary for the Ministry of Public Service, confirmed that two watchmen and two pedestrians remain under the rubble. A taxi driver who survived the collapse was admitted to a nearby hospital and provided authorities with critical information, reporting that he saw the two pedestrians become trapped when the building fell. Safia Ali Aden, the sister of one of the trapped watchmen, said her brother called her from inside the collapsed structure, and the family is worried about his safety.
President William Ruto has been briefed on the incident, and authorities are investigating the cause of the collapse. The Kenya Red Cross is also inspecting a building adjacent to the scene, which shows signs of potential collapse. Building collapses are common in Nairobi, where high housing demand leads some developers to bypass regulations or violate building codes. In 2015, eight buildings collapsed and killed 15 people in Kenya, prompting the presidency to order an audit of buildings nationwide. The National Construction Authority later found that 58 % of Nairobi’s buildings were unfit for habitation.
The latest incident highlights the need for stricter enforcement of building codes and regulations in Kenya. The investigation into the cause of the collapse is ongoing, and authorities are working to rescue those trapped and provide support to the affected families. The event has raised renewed concerns about building safety in Nairobi and the urgent need for action to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
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