Full Breakdown
Multi-Storey Building Collapse in Nairobi’s Eastleigh Neighborhood
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The Collapse and Immediate Response
On October 23 2026, a multi-storey building under construction collapsed along 9th Street in Eastleigh, Nairobi. The ground floor housed an electronics shop, a butchery and a grocery store; upper floors were still being built. Rescue teams—including the Kenya Defence Forces, the General Service Unit, the National Youth Service and the Kenya Red Cross—were deployed. Police used tear-gas to disperse crowds and prevent looting.
Background & Context
Eastleigh is a commercial hub with a large Somali community. Building collapses have been a recurring problem in Nairobi; a 2020 report documented 86 collapses between 2009 and 2019, resulting in about 200 deaths. County officials responsible for permits have faced criticism for inadequate inspections.
Data & Statistics
- Reported building height: sources vary between 10 and 18 storeys.
- July 30 2025: The National Construction Authority (NCA) recorded the project’s registration (Land Reference No. 36/II/40).
- Two injured persons were taken to Kenyatta National Hospital.
- 26 people initially reported missing were later accounted for.
Official Statements & Responses
- Police Chief Issa Mohamud warned of a possible secondary collapse and announced a criminal-negligence investigation.
- Kenya Red Cross dispatched teams, urged the public to stay clear of the site, and set up a tracing desk for families.
- National Construction Authority confirmed the project’s registration and that the approved design called for a 12-storey development, noting registration alone does not establish the cause.
Criticism & Opposition
Former Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka demanded accountability, saying anyone who approved, inspected, built or ignored the project must be identified. County MP Babu Owino called for an independent investigation into the building-approval system, citing concerns about corruption and weak enforcement.
On-the-Ground Reports
Witnesses described a massive cloud of dust and a “pancake” of concrete after the building folded inward. Plasterer Joseph Kaula said he was the last person to exit before the collapse and heard cries for help from within the rubble. Sniffer dogs, excavators and improvised tools were used to locate potential survivors.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Height: Police chief cited “more than 10 upper floors,” while other outlets reported 12, 13 or 18 storeys. No official measurement has been released.
- People trapped: Estimates range from “several” to “more than 70” workers, but the exact figure remains unverified.
- Cause: Authorities have not identified a definitive cause; investigations are ongoing.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I was the last person to walk out before it collapsed and the whole area was filled with dust,” — Joseph Kaula
- “We’ll make sure people face the law for any negligence.” — Governor Johnson Sakaja
- “?“Whoever is the owner, whoever authorised the building, all of them will be charged properly.” — Issa Mohamud
What’s Next
- The NCA announced a formal inquiry and a broader compliance audit of ongoing construction projects.
- Governor Sakaja said the county has written to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions to seek restored prosecutorial powers for counties, aiming to impose tougher penalties on developers who violate regulations.
- Rescue operations will continue until all viable search areas are cleared, with additional machinery and specialist teams on standby.