Nairobi’s unchecked ruin: Eastleigh building collapse exposes failed crackdowns, unpunished corruption
A historic audit by the National Construction Authority (NCA) previously revealed that a staggering 58 per cent of buildings in Nairobi were unfit for habitation, while architectural experts warn that 85 per cent of assessed structures carry severe safety risks.
The rescued person was immediately rushed to hospital for emergency treatment.
Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja said rescue officers were carefully clearing sections of the rubble to allow oxygen into the building and improve the chances of survival for those still trapped inside.
Yesterday, the governor visited the scene yesterday accompanied by several county officials, said the rescue operation was ongoing as responders worked to access parts of the collapsed structure.
The building was still under construction when it collapsed, although the ground floor was already occupied, according to an update issued by Nairobi City County.
Sakaja also said the building did not comply with construction guidelines and vowed that legal action would be taken against the owner.
The collapse prompted a major emergency response, with county teams deploying machinery to remove debris and open access routes to areas where people could be trapped.
In an update issued at 2 pm, the county said its emergency response teams were assessing the scene and conducting search and rescue operations.
“Rescue teams are assessing the scene and conducting search and rescue operations amid reports that people may be trapped beneath the rubble,” the county said.
The county added that machinery had been deployed to support debris removal and facilitate access to potential victims. Its Relief Officer had also been notified, with efforts underway to mobilise additional resources.
Earlier, police lobbed tear gas to disperse crowds that had gathered at the scene, as the growing number of onlookers threatened to obstruct access for emergency responders.
Movement along 9th Street and First Avenue slowed significantly as residents, traders and passers-by rushed towards the site to establish what had happened and whether anyone had been rescued.
The incident disrupted activity in the busy commercial neighbourhood, with police attempting to control the crowds and keep access routes clear for emergency vehicles.
The number of people who may have been trapped, the full casualty toll and the cause of the collapse had not been established by the time of the county’s initial update.
Sakaja’s pledge to pursue legal action is likely to intensify scrutiny of construction approvals and enforcement of building regulations in Nairobi.
