The Cabinet Secretary (CS) for Defence, Soipan Tuya, has gazetted the deployment of the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) to assist the Ministry of Defence and the Mombasa County Government in the emergency response to an eleven-storey building that began sinking.
In a gazette notice dated April 7, Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya stated that the building, which began sinking on April 2, poses a significant danger to the residents of Mombasa County.
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The multi-storey structure located on Plot No. XLVI/195/MI, off Abdel Nasser Road has shown significant damage to its foundation, largely due to unauthorized borehole drilling, which has caused the ground floor columns to collapse by approximately three meters.
KDF Deployed in Mombasa to Assist Kenya Police to Demolish Storey Building
As a result, the building has been deemed structurally unsound and is considered an immediate danger to both life and property. To prevent a potential disaster, a controlled demolition has been planned.
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“Pursuant to Article 241 (3) (h) of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010, read with sections 31 (1) (a), (c) and 34 (2) of the Kenya Defence Forces Act, notice is given that on the 7th April, 2025, the Kenya Defence Forces was deployed to assist the Ministry of Interior and National Administration and the County Government of Mombasa in the emergency response towards an eleven Storey building situated at Kilifi Comer, Fayaz Estate along Abdel Nasser Road, Mombasa County, that begun sinking on 2nd April, 2025, endangering adjacent residential and commercial buildings,” read the notice in part.
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The decision follows a detailed structural assessment by a multi-agency team, which included the County Department of Lands, Urban Planning and Housing, the National Building Inspectorate, the Kenya Defence Forces, and other relevant authorities.
Measures Taken by County Govt
This comes after Mombasa governor Abdulswamad Sheriff in a statement on Tuesday April 8 outlined key measures in preparation for the demolition, scheduled for 8:00am on Wednesday April 9 morning:
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Patient Relocation: A total of 504 patients were initially at the Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital. Of these, 380 patients are set to be discharged, while the remaining 124, including 8 in intensive care, will be relocated to Utange and Port Reitz Hospitals. Ambulances from the County Government, Kenya Red Cross, and the Kenya Navy are on standby to assist with this process.
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Mandatory Evacuation: A mandatory evacuation zone has been established within a 1.2-kilometre radius around the site, including parts of Digo Road, Hospital Road, Jomo Kenyatta Avenue, Mwembe Tayari, and areas extending to Ronald Ngala Road. Beach Management Units have been instructed to clear the adjacent waters as well.
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Security Deployment: The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) will manage the inner cordon of the evacuation zone, while the National Police Service and County Inspectorate will oversee security at the outer perimeter. Traders within the designated zone have been ordered to vacate by 2:00 pm today.
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Public Advisory: Nyali Bridge will be closed to all traffic for one hour ahead of the controlled demolition. Commuters are urged to plan their travels accordingly to avoid disruptions. All County emergency response personnel on leave have been recalled to ensure adequate manpower.
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Community Engagement: Sub-county administrators and community health promoters have been given the responsibility of sensitizing local households to ensure complete compliance with evacuation orders and safety measures.
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Emergency Preparedness and Recovery Plans: Port Reitz Hospital has been designated as the primary emergency center. The removal of debris and site restoration efforts will commence once the area is declared safe by the military.
