Kenya: Seven-storey building collapses in Nairobi

Building collapses in Kahawa West, Nairobi

A search is underway in Nairobi after a seven-storey building collapsed in the Kahawa West area on Sunday, prompting immediate action by rescue teams who are searching through the rubble for survivors.

Injuries and rescue efforts

According to the Nairobi governor, two people, a man and a woman, were injured by falling debris while they were near the building during the incident. Their condition is said to be stable, and they are currently receiving treatment. However, doubts remain over the possibility of victims trapped under the rubble, despite an evacuation ordered days before the collapse.

Orderly evacuation before collapse

Three days before the collapse, Nairobi authorities issued a notice ordering residents to leave the building, deeming it unsafe. Despite the warning, uncertainty remains over whether there are people still under the rubble, and rescuers continue to search for survivors.

Reaction of the authorities and promises of action

The owner of the building, identified as Patrick Rwamba, is being actively sought by authorities, who have vowed to tighten controls on illegal construction in the capital. Nairobi, where demand for housing is high, regularly experiences building collapses due to unsafe construction practices.

Conclusion

The tragic collapse once again highlights the risks associated with illegal construction in Nairobi, where lack of compliance with existing regulations continues to endanger the lives of residents. Authorities are promising stricter measures to prevent similar incidents in the future, as rescuers continue their efforts to find survivors.