Collapse of Multi-Storey Building in Nairobi Raises Safety Concerns

On January 2, 2026, a 16-storey building under construction in the South C area of Nairobi collapsed early in the morning, prompting a significant emergency response. The structure, located on Muhoho Avenue, was reported to have been non-compliant with safety regulations at the time of the incident, according to the National Construction Authority (NCA). Initial reports indicated that at least two individuals were trapped under the rubble, with ongoing search and rescue operations led by the Kenya Red Cross and supported by various emergency agencies.

Casualties Feared As 16-Storey Collapse in Nairobi’s South CSouth C building collapse linked to non-compliant construction project16-storey building under construction collapses in South C

Building collapses are a recurring issue in Nairobi, often attributed to regulatory failures and corruption within the construction sector. Following a series of deadly incidents in 2015, an audit revealed that over half of the buildings in Nairobi were unfit for habitation. The NCA confirmed that the collapsed building had previously faced enforcement actions for multiple infractions in 2025, raising questions about the effectiveness of oversight mechanisms.

Kenya: Multi storey building collapses in Nairobi, trapping unknown number of people

• Yussuf Mohamed Yussuf: Director of the construction company responsible for the collapsed building.

South C building collapse linked to non-compliant construction project

• Geoffrey Ruku: Cabinet Secretary in charge of public service, who visited the site to assess the situation.

South C building collapse: Victim of falling debris rushed to Mbagathi Hospital in stable condition

• Abass Khalif: Member of County Assembly (MCA) who criticized the Nairobi City County for negligence in enforcing building regulations.

MCA Abbas Khalif blames City Hall failures for building collapse in South C

• Babu Owino: Embakasi East MP who called for a full investigation and reforms in the construction approval system.

MP Babu Owino Issues 4 Demands After Collapse of 16-Storey South C Building

The Nairobi City County Government confirmed the building's collapse and the initiation of rescue operations. They stated, “Preliminary assessments confirm that the incident involved a pancake collapse of a 14-floor building.” The NCA announced that a comprehensive report would be issued following investigations into the incident. Babu Owino emphasized the need for accountability, stating, “This tragedy... is a painful reminder of the cost of weak oversight, poor enforcement, and suspected corruption in Nairobi City County.”

Nairobi MP demands probe on South C building collapse citing failures

Local leaders, including MCA Abass Khalif and MP Babu Owino, have criticized the Nairobi City County for its failure to enforce building codes and regulations. Khalif pointed to “serious lapses” in the Urban Planning Department, while Owino highlighted allegations of corruption, claiming that unauthorized additional floors were added to the building, compromising its structural integrity. Residents and observers have expressed outrage over the apparent disregard for safety standards, with calls for immediate reforms in the construction sector.

MP Babu Owino Issues 4 Demands After Collapse of 16-Storey South C Building

While initial reports indicated that at least two individuals were trapped, some sources suggested that the number of casualties could be higher, with various accounts of injuries and missing persons. The exact cause of the collapse remains under investigation, and authorities have urged the public to refrain from speculation.

MCA Abbas Khalif blames City Hall failures for building collapse in South C

As rescue operations continue, a full investigation into the collapse is expected, focusing on the building's compliance with safety regulations and the approval process. Local leaders are advocating for a suspension of construction activities in Nairobi until safety audits are completed. The incident has reignited discussions about the need for stricter enforcement of building codes to prevent future tragedies.

Nairobi MP demands probe on South C building collapse citing failures

• “We are asking the government to be speedy in the rescue so we can find my brother alive,” — Safia Ali Aden, sister of a trapped individual.

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• “This tragedy, coming just days into the new year, is a painful reminder of the cost of weak oversight, poor enforcement, and suspected corruption in Nairobi City County,” — Babu Owino, MP.

Nairobi County Issues Statement on Collapse of Multi-Storey South C Building

• “I have ordered a thorough investigation to determine the exact cause, but preliminary findings point to negligence and oversight failures by the Nairobi City County’s Urban Planning Department,” — Abass Khalif, MCA.

MCA Abbas Khalif blames City Hall failures for building collapse in South C