A search and rescue operation is under way after a multi‑storey block under construction collapsed on Friday afternoon in Nairobi's Eastleigh area. Seven people are feared trapped beneath the rubble, and officials say they remain missing as emergency crews work to locate them.

What happened

The building, thought to be 16 or 18 storeys tall, gave way at its bottom floor before the rest of the structure crumbled, sending a plume of dust into the surrounding streets. Dozens of construction workers were on the upper floors at the time, but 66 of the 67 workers escaped unharmed, with the remaining worker sustaining non‑life‑threatening injuries. The missing individuals are believed to have been in the 11 shops that had already opened on the ground level.

Rescue efforts

Rescue teams have faced challenges because using heavy diggers could restrict airflow to any survivors. As a result, responders have halted the use of excavators, opting for more delicate methods to reach the trapped victims. Images from the scene show concrete floors piled atop one another, with responders peering through metal to assess the situation.

Regulatory concerns

The collapse has reignited debate over construction standards in Kenya. Nairobi Governor Sakaja Johnson told local media that the building's owners lacked the required paperwork for occupancy and called on the national government to empower local authorities to penalise developers who ignore approved plans and safety standards. Kenya's National Construction Authority identified the development company, architect, and structural engineer but did not disclose whether the site had been inspected before the incident.

Broader context

Building collapses are not uncommon in Nairobi, where poor construction practices and inadequate planning are frequently cited as contributing factors. The latest incident underscores the need for stricter enforcement of building codes and more robust oversight of construction projects.

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