Babu Owino Demands Suspension of Non-Compliant Construction Projects

A 16-storey building under construction collapsed in Nairobi’s South C neighbourhood early on Friday, with at least two people believed to be trapped under the rubble as rescue teams searched the site.

The structure fell along Muhoho Road in Lang’ata Constituency, prompting an emergency response from Nairobi City County, the Kenya Defence Forces Disaster Response Battalion, the National Youth Service and the Nairobi Fire Brigade. Heavy machinery was deployed to clear debris as operations continued through the day.

Authorities said the collapse was a “pancake failure”, in which each floor gave way in succession. An adjacent 14-storey building was declared high risk due to vibrations and impact from the collapse, raising concerns about its structural stability.

Lang’ata MP Phelix Odiwuor, also known as Jalang’o, called the incident unacceptable and urged an immediate suspension of construction activities in South C and Nairobi West. He said work should not resume until comprehensive safety audits are completed and all approvals and inspections are verified by the relevant authorities.

Embakasi East MP Babu Owino attributed the collapse to systemic failures within Nairobi City County. He alleged that the building had been approved for fewer floors and that additional storeys were added without authorisation. 

Owino called for an independent investigation into all approvals and inspections linked to the project and urged the suspension of permits for developments lacking proper documentation. He also demanded prosecutions of officials, developers and professionals found responsible.

The Nairobi City County Government set up a command centre at the site to coordinate rescue efforts. The National Disaster Management Unit advised residents in the area to remain alert as assessments continued. The National Construction Authority is expected to inspect nearby buildings once access to the lower levels is secured.