Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has issued a warning to developers over construction practices that could compromise building safety, following the collapse of an incomplete 12-storey building in Eastleigh.
Speaking during a multi-agency response to the collapse along 1st Avenue, 9th Street, on October 23, Sakaja called on professional bodies representing architects, engineers and quantity surveyors to act against developers who dismiss qualified experts after securing construction approvals and proceed with building works without proper professional supervision.
The Governor also renewed his push the restore prosecutorial powers to county governments, arguing that weak penalties undermine efforts to enforce building regulations.
“We have formally written to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, and we hope our request will be considered. Counties must be empowered to take firm action against rogue developers who disregard building regulations and put lives at risk,” Sakaja said.
Sakaja Calls for New Measures to Hold Developers Accountable for Building Collapses
He questioned the deterrent effect of existing penalties, claiming that some developers convicted of violating construction regulations face fines as low as Ksh5,000.
“Even when such offenders are arrested and taken to court, the penalties can be as low as Ksh5,000, which is not a sufficient deterrent,” he said.
The Governor said some developers hire qualified architects, engineers, and quantity surveyors to obtain approval for their projects but later dismiss them and continue construction with unqualified personnel.
He urged professional associations to investigate cases where experts are removed from approved projects under circumstances that raise compliance concerns, and to take appropriate disciplinary action against those found culpable.
Sakaja said professionals responsible for designing, supervising and ensuring the safety of buildings should be allowed to fulfil their obligations without interference from developers.
He also warned against putting buildings into use before obtaining the required occupation certificates, which follow inspections to establish whether structures meet safety requirements.
According to the Governor, developers must obtain county approvals, engage qualified professionals, and sign indemnity forms committing them to follow approved plans and construction standards.
Also Read: Several Feared Trapped as Mall Collapses in Eastleigh
However, he said some disregard these requirements after obtaining approval, undermining the safeguards intended to ensure buildings are constructed according to approved designs.
Further, he stated that the Eastleigh building was still under construction, although the ground floor was occupied when the structure collapsed.
Sakaja said restoring prosecutorial powers to counties, introducing tougher penalties and strengthening cooperation with professional bodies would help improve compliance and prevent similar incidents.
Also Read: Sakaja Issues Fresh Directive on Nairobi CBD Walkways
NCA Names Developer and Contractor in Eastleigh Building Collapse
On the other hand, the National Construction Authority (NCA) has identified the developer and contractor behind the 12-storey building that collapsed in Eastleigh, Nairobi, as investigations into the incident begin.
In a statement issued Friday, October 23, the authority said it registered the project on July 30, 2025, as a proposed development on 9th Street in Eastleigh, Kamukunji Sub-County.
The developer listed in the authority’s records is 9th Street Plaza Limited, while Stromax Holdings E.A Limited was registered as the contractor responsible for the project.
NCA also named architect Emmanuel Mwangi Maina and structural engineer Joseph Muturi Mugu as the professionals listed in the project records.
The authority said a multi-agency team had been deployed to coordinate rescue operations and conduct preliminary investigations following the collapse.
“The building was registered with the Authority on 30th July 2025 as a proposed development on Land Reference Number 36/II/40, 9th Street, Eastleigh, Kamkunji Sub-County, Nairobi County. The project registration number is 53128815710410, and the developer on record is 9th Street Plaza Limited,” read part of the statement.
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