Kenyan authorities have initiated a comprehensive investigation into the collapse of a building in Nairobi's Eastleigh area on October 23. The National Police Service, in collaboration with other professional bodies, aims to establish the cause of the collapse and determine criminal liability. Police spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga stated that any individual or entity found culpable of negligence or violating building regulations will face the law.
The building collapse occurred on Yusuf Haji Avenue and 9th Street, prompting a multiagency team to respond to the scene. The police urged the public to stay clear of the area to allow heavy excavators, specialized canine units, and rescue personnel to perform their duties without interference. As of 4 pm on Saturday, seven people were believed to be trapped under the rubble, and two people rescued earlier were receiving treatment at Kenyatta National Hospital.
The National Construction Authority (NCA) identified the developer, contractor, architect, and structural engineer responsible for the collapsed building. The NCA registered the building on July 30, 2025, as a proposed development on 9th Street in Eastleigh. The developer, 9th Street Plaza Limited, and the contractor, Stromax Holdings E.A. Limited, were named along with Emmanuel Mwangi Maina as the project architect and Joseph Muturi Mugu as the structural engineer.
Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja stated that the project had failed to comply with construction guidelines, and the county had forwarded relevant information to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations for further investigation. The NCA has faced scrutiny over its oversight role in the construction project. Authorities continue to search for survivors and investigate the cause of the collapse.
As the search efforts entered their second day, at least 31 families reported their relatives missing. No deaths have been reported so far. The incident has raised concerns about building regulations and oversight in Kenya. Authorities are working to determine the cause of the collapse and hold those responsible accountable.
The police and other agencies are working together to rescue those trapped under the rubble and investigate the incident. The public has been urged to cooperate with authorities and provide any information that may assist in the investigation. The incident has sparked widespread concern and calls for greater accountability in the construction industry.
The investigation into the building collapse is ongoing, and authorities have promised to take action against those found responsible. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of enforcing building regulations and ensuring that construction projects meet safety standards.
Key points
- Police have launched a manhunt for the owner and contractor of the collapsed building.
- The National Construction Authority identified the developer, contractor, architect, and structural engineer responsible for the collapsed building.
- Authorities continue to search for survivors and investigate the cause of the collapse.
