In brief
A sudden collapse of a high‑rise building in Nairobi’s Eastleigh district has left seven people missing and trapped beneath rubble. The structure was under construction when it fell, and 66 out of 67 workers escaped safely. Rescue teams use powerful saws to cut through concrete for potential survivors, pausing heavy equipment use to preserve air supply. Authorities question whether the building complied with required permits and construction regulations, with Nairobi’s governor calling for stronger enforcement of building plans. The incident has reignited fears of lax construction oversight in the city.
Seven missing after multi‑storey building collapses in Kenya's capital
A search and rescue effort is under way to find seven people feared trapped under rubble after a building collapsed in the Kenyan capital, Nairobi.
The footage shows the bottom floor of the 16‑ or 18‑storey block giving way, sending a plume of dust into surrounding streets. Dozens of builders on the upper floors emerged largely unscathed. The missing were believed to be in shops at the base of the building.
The collapse raises fresh concerns about construction standards and regulations in Kenya. The block was still under construction when it fell; scaffolding was still wrapped around its exterior. Local authorities report that 11 shops had already opened on the lower floors.
Interior ministry official Kipchumba Murkomen stated that 66 of the 67 construction workers present were able to escape unharmed, with the remaining one sustaining non‑life‑threatening injuries.
Images from Nairobi's Eastleigh area show concrete floors piled on top of one another, with rescue workers cutting through metal to reach those believed to be trapped beneath.
Excavation with diggers was paused due to fears that heavy machinery could limit air supply, according to the Daily Nation.
Questions now focus on why the building collapsed so suddenly and whether it met planning regulations. Kenya's National Construction Authority said it has identified the developer, architect, and structural engineer, though it has not confirmed pre‑collapse inspection.
Nairobi Governor Sakaja Johnson warned that owners did not hold the required paperwork for occupancy and urged the national government to empower local authorities to penalty developers who ignore approved plans and safety standards.
Building collapses remain a risk in Nairobi, often linked to poor construction practices or improper planning.
