A multi-story residential building under construction collapsed in Nairobi’s Eastleigh area on Friday afternoon, prompting a search and rescue operation that continues into the following day. Two individuals have been successfully extracted from the rubble and transported to medical facilities, while five others remain unaccounted for and presumed trapped beneath the debris.
According to officials, the 16 to 18-story structure was still in active construction when the collapse occurred, with scaffolding visible on the building’s exterior. The ground floor gave way first, triggering a cascade effect in which upper floors crumbled downward. Footage of the incident captured the dramatic moment of structural failure and the resulting dust cloud that spread across neighboring streets. At the time of the collapse, approximately 67 construction workers were present in the building, with 66 successfully exiting the structure. One worker sustained non-life-threatening injuries.
The building had already permitted commercial operations on its lower levels, with 11 shops operating at ground level when it collapsed. Those reported missing are believed to have been in these ground-floor retail spaces at the time of the incident. Rescue teams have established contact with some individuals trapped beneath the rubble and continue excavation efforts.
Authorities have initiated multiple investigations into the collapse. The National Police Service announced a criminal investigation to determine the cause and establish liability, warning that those found responsible for negligence or violations of building regulations would face legal consequences. The National Construction Authority identified the development company, architect, and structural engineer involved but has not disclosed inspection details. Nairobi’s governor stated that building owners lacked required documentation for occupancy and called for enhanced enforcement powers against developers who violate approved plans and safety standards.
The incident has reignited scrutiny of construction practices in the region, as building collapses occur with notable frequency in Nairobi, typically attributed to substandard construction practices or inadequate planning oversight.
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