Defence CS Soipan Tuya confirm KDF deployment to assist in Mombasa demolition
This comes after earlier in the day, Mombasa governor Abdhulswamad Nassir ordered the demolition of a nine-storey structure that exhibited severe foundational compromise due to unapproved borehole drilling into the foundation, with ground floor columns collapsing by approximately three meters.
Defence Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya has authorised the deployment of the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) to assist in the demolition of the nine-story building in Mombasa.
Tuya, in a Kenya Gazette notice, indicated that the KDF would be assisting the ministry of Interior and National Administration together with the County government of Mombasa.
“Under Article 241 (3) (b) of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010, read with sections 31 (1) (a), (c) and 34 (2) of the Kenya Defence Forces Act, notice is given that on the 7th April, 2025, the Kenya Defence Forces was deployed to assist the Ministry of Interior and National Administration and the County Government of Mombasa in the emergency response towards an eleven-story building situated at Kilifi Corner, Fayaz Estate along Abdel Nasser Road, Mombasa County,” the notice read..
Mombasa governor Abdhulswamad Nassir had earlier ordered the demolition of the building after it exhibited severe foundational compromise due to unapproved borehole drilling into the foundation, with ground floor columns collapsing by approximately three metres.
In a notice to the public, Nassir declared the building structurally unsound, adding that it poses an imminent risk to life and property.
“A controlled demolition has been scheduled to avert a potential catastrophe. This is after a multisector Agency Team found a grave structural failure, as it was confirmed that the multi-storey building constructed on Plot No. XLVI/195/MI. It had a severe foundational compromise due to unapproved borehole drilling,” Nassir stated.
The governor ordered that a 1.2 kilometre radius must be evacuated as per the international safety standards on explosive demolition.
Nassir noted that the inner security cordon shall be manned by the Kenya Defense Forces, while a secondary perimeter will be enforced by the National Police Service and the County Inspectorate.
He further directed all traders within the marked zone to vacate by 2:00 pm today, adding that it is a non-negotiable safety requirement.
