Several people are feared trapped after a building collapsed in Kahawa West in Nairobi County.
According to reports, the building collapsed at around noon on Sunday, October 20, 2024.
Reports indicate that the building was an 8-storey apartment with businesses and residential units.
A video seen by The Kenya Times shows the final moments before the building’s collapse.
In the footage shared on social, some residents are being instructed to stay away as the building was on the verge of collapsing.
The Kenya Red Cross confirmed the incident stating that several people are feared trapped under the building are trapped.
In a statement, the Agency said the emergency team are currently at the scene to rescue those trapped.
“A multi-agency response team is currently responding to a building collapse in Kahawa West, Nairobi County, where people are feared trapped,” Kenya.
Nairobi County Statement on Collapsed Kahawa West Building
The County Government had marked collapsed building as dangerous and directed all occupants to leave.
Reports indicate that the majority of the people had vacated the collapsed building which used to host Equity Afia Hospital.
Nairobi County Executive Built Environment Patrick Mbogo has confirmed the collapse of the Kahawa West building.
Mongo said the building is located along Station Road and the County teams are evacuating occupants from the adjacent apartments.
He stated that the County will provide subsequent updates regarding the collapsed building.
“The Nairobi City County Government confirms the collapse of a housing unit in Kahawa West area plot no. 233, along station road, Kahawa West. Currently, all Nairobi County Teams are fully engaged in disaster recovery and evacuating occupants from adjacent buildings,” Mbogo said.
Also Read: Sakaja Lifts Suspension of Building Plans, Forms Special Team
Babu Owino Slams Nairobi County
Embakasi East MP Babu Owino issued a statement on the building stating it is a stark reminder of the urgent need for proper regulation and accountability in the construction and development sector.
Babu Owino said the County Government of Nairobi must take up its role to rigorously enforce building standards and ensure that every development project meets the required safety regulations.
“Too often, we have witnessed lives lost and families broken due to negligence and corruption within this industry. It is unacceptable,” he said.
Also Read: Fire Breaks Out at a Building in Nairobi
The MP condemned any form of corruption and negligence that may have contributed to the disaster.
He reiterated that the lives of Kenyans are precious, and no one should have to live in fear of such preventable tragedies.
“It is high time that the authorities take decisive action against those responsible for the systemic failures in our construction industry. The safety of Nairobi residents must be prioritized above profit or political expediency,” Babu Owino.
Follow our WhatsApp Channel for real-time news updates!
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaB3k54HltYFiQ1f2i2C
