A building under construction collapsed in the Eastleigh neighborhood of Nairobi on Friday at approximately 1pm local time, creating a large mass of concrete debris. The structure had more than 10 upper floors still being built, with its ground floor housing commercial operations including an electronics shop, butchery, and grocery store. Rescue personnel used improvised tools and excavation equipment to search through the rubble for trapped individuals.
Authorities confirmed that one injured woman was rescued and hospitalized, while rescue efforts were expected to extend through Friday night and into Saturday. Police reported looting at the site and used tear gas to manage crowds. Concerns emerged of a potential secondary collapse as the damaged building leaned against an adjacent structure. Some individuals trapped in the building reportedly made phone calls for assistance immediately following the collapse, though communication later ceased.
Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja indicated that the building had received construction approval but lacked a certificate of occupation, rendering the ground floor commercial operations illegal. He suggested that one or two deaths were possible pending further assessment. Sakaja emphasized the need for stronger enforcement mechanisms, noting that existing penalties for violations were insufficient deterrents. Police announced plans to investigate potential negligence, with any findings potentially resulting in legal consequences for responsible parties.
National building inspections revealed that 87 percent of structures audited in Kenya failed to meet required standards or lacked proper approvals, highlighting broader construction safety concerns in the country.
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