In brief
- AllAfrica reported an incomplete 12-storey building collapsed in Eastleigh, Nairobi, triggering a multi-agency rescue operation.
- Governor Johnson Sakaja called for tougher penalties and prosecutorial powers, attributing low fines and alleged developer practices, but these are his claims.
- No casualty figures, cause, developer identity, or response from the DPP were reported.
An incomplete 12-storey building collapsed in Eastleigh, Nairobi, triggering a multi-agency search and rescue operation, AllAfrica reported on October 23, 2026. The building was still under construction, with the ground floor occupied at the time of the collapse.
The report did not establish the cause of the collapse, the number of people trapped or injured, or the identities of the developer, contractor, or engineer. No casualty figures were provided, and rescue operations were ongoing as of the report.
Governor's Response
Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja called for tougher penalties against rogue developers and the restoration of prosecutorial powers to county governments, according to the report. Sakaja said existing penalties for violating construction regulations can be as low as Sh5,000, though the report did not specify the currency.
Sakaja also alleged that some developers engage licensed professionals to secure approvals but subsequently remove them from projects and proceed with construction using unqualified personnel. This claim was not independently confirmed in the report.
Sakaja said the county has formally written to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions requesting prosecutorial powers, adding, "We have formally written to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, and we hope our request will be considered." No response from the office was reported.
Rescue Efforts
Rescue operations involved Nairobi City County emergency teams, the National Disaster Operations Centre, the Kenya Red Cross, the Kenya Defence Forces and other agencies, the report said. Heavy machinery was deployed to clear debris and create access to sections where victims could be trapped. Sakaja said health teams were on standby. Residents were advised to share information through county emergency hotlines 1508 and 1199, and Sakaja urged families to report missing persons to designated centres at the scene.
Frequently asked questions
What is known about the collapsed building?
AllAfrica reported it was an incomplete 12-storey building in Eastleigh, Nairobi, under construction with the ground floor occupied at the time of collapse.
What did Governor Sakaja call for?
Sakaja called for tougher penalties against developers, the restoration of prosecutorial powers to county governments, and disciplinary action by professional bodies.
Has any official investigation been launched?
Sakaja said the county has formally written to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions requesting prosecutorial powers, but no investigation or response was reported.