Multi-Storey Building Collapses in Nairobi, Rescue Operations Underway
A massive building under construction has collapsed in Nairobi, Kenya. Emergency teams are searching for survivors amid reports of trapped individuals.
POLICY WIRE — Nairobi, Kenya — A multi-storey building under construction collapsed in the Kenyan capital on Friday, leaving many feared trapped beneath a massive pile of debris. The structure, estimated to be approximately 18 storeys high, crumbled in the densely populated Eastleigh district, sending thick clouds of dust into the air.
Search and rescue teams arrived at the site, though they faced significant challenges navigating the wreckage, which was tightly wedged between neighboring high-rise buildings. Police confirmed that one woman has been pulled from the rubble, and responders reported hearing the voice of another survivor trapped inside.
Bibiye Mahmoud, president of the Institution of Engineering Technology of Kenya, expressed frustration at the scene, stating, There are lots of people trapped here. She criticized the lack of professional oversight, noting that contractors often bypass safety standards, leading to recurring catastrophes.
Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja addressed the media, emphasizing that the primary focus remains on saving lives. He confirmed that the building lacked an occupation certificate, which is the formal documentation required to verify that a structure is safe and legally fit for use.
John Ogallo, vice-president of the Institution of Engineers of Kenya, noted that there were prior warning signs, including visible cracks in the structure. He warned that utilizing improper materials during construction effectively turns a building into a time bomb.
The collapse triggered reports of looting, and local media observed police deploying tear gas to disperse crowds gathering near the site. The incident highlights ongoing safety concerns in Nairobi, where a 2022 report by the Kenya National Building Inspectorate found that 87 percent of audited buildings nationwide failed to meet required standards.
Nairobi has experienced a rapid construction boom, with the number of annual building completions rising from 20,025 in 2022 to 25,090 last year. Historical data from the Kenya Institute for Public Policy Research and Analysis indicates that 86 building collapses occurred between 2009 and 2019, resulting in approximately 200 deaths.
Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)
