Seven individuals are unaccounted for after a multi storey building under construction collapsed in Nairobi, Kenya.
The 16-18 storey building fell on October 23 in the Eastleigh neighborhood while construction was ongoing.
Rescue operations are actively taking place today (October 24) as teams search for those believed to be trapped in the debris. Reports indicate that the missing individuals may have been inside shops on the ground and lower levels.
Seven Individuals Unaccounted For
At the time of the collapse, 67 construction workers were present. Of these, 66 escaped without injury, while one worker sustained injuries but is currently in stable condition.
However, seven individuals remain missing. The building housed 11 shops on its lower levels.
The Kenya Red Cross has established a tracing point to assist families in locating missing loved ones and has received several reports, with some individuals identified.
Families seeking further information can contact the Kenya Red Cross at 1199.
Ongoing Rescue Operations
Multiple organizations, including the Kenya Defence Forces, National Police Service, Nairobi City County, National Disaster Operations Centre, and Kenya Red Cross, are involved in the rescue efforts.
Rescue teams are clearing rubble to find those trapped on the ground and lower levels. However, using heavy machinery poses risks to potential survivors, leading to a halt in excavator operations.
Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja stated that rescue teams are working downwards to locate individuals in the basement. He expressed concern over the lack of communication with those in contact with rescue teams.
The status of the missing individuals has not yet been confirmed by authorities.
Compliance Concerns Surrounding the Building
This incident has sparked questions about the building’s compliance with regulations.
Governor Sakaja mentioned that the building was approved for a change of use from residential to mixed use in October 2024, but the county government had not approved the architectural plans.
This may have contributed to the building’s collapse, though the exact cause remains unknown.
Kenya’s National Construction Authority has identified the development company, architect, and structural engineer involved, but it is unclear if an inspection took place.
Governor Sakaja has called for stricter regulations for developers who do not adhere to approved plans.
Ongoing Concerns About Building Safety in Nairobi
Building collapses have become a recurring issue in Nairobi, raising concerns about rapid urban development and insufficient oversight during construction.
This incident highlights the risks associated with buildings under construction that have commercial activities on the ground level.
Authorities will investigate approvals, plans, construction practices, and the responsibilities of involved professionals to determine if any structural issues or regulatory breaches occurred.
Emergency Services Present
Emergency services are on site working to locate the missing individuals.
Government officials have pledged support for rescue efforts and assistance for affected families, warning that anyone found responsible for regulatory breaches will face legal consequences.
The immediate priority for families is to find any survivors.
The cause of the building’s collapse remains unclear as rescue efforts continue.