The Architectural Association of Kenya (AAK) has listed three possible causes of the collapse of an excavation site in the Shauri Moyo Area of Nairobi County that killed four people on Friday, September 13, 2024.
AAK said it was saddened by the tragic accident, adding that it raises grave concerns about safety standards at construction sites and the accountability of those responsible.
The architects said a Mulika Mjengo team from the AAK visited the site to conduct an independent investigation and established possible causes of the incident.
AAK explained that the site was unsecured, with loose red coffee soil contributing to the collapse in the incident that left construction workers trapped approximately five meters underground.
The site workers were also operating at night beyond the permissible hours (8:00 am- 5:00 pm).
Additionally, formwork erection and bracing were inadequately executed, raising concerns about construction management and safety procedures.
According to AAK, an excavation trench of this depth (at least five meters) should be properly secured against collapse.
“An open sewer channel flowed directly into the excavation site, demonstrating a lack of proper planning for temporary solutions during the works,” AAK said.
Contractor & Police Response
The association said the contractor responsible for the site remains unidentified and unreachable, heightening concerns about oversight and accountability.
Further, AAK said no immediate measures had been implemented to secure the area and prevent further harm to residents, passengers, and motorists.
AAK criticized local authorities, led by the Kamukunji OCPD, for resorting to using teargas to disperse crowds from the edges of the unsecured and hazardous site.
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Architects Demands After Shauri Moyo Tragedy
The Association demanded that the contractor must be identified and held accountable, and compensation provided for the families of the injured and deceased victims.
AAK directed the County Government of Nairobi to urgently secure the site to prevent further risks to residents and commuters.
The Association said environment state agencies must enforce stringent safety protocols at construction sites and ensure full compliance with excavation and site management standards.
Also Read: Four People Dead as Excavation Site Collapses in Nairobi
“A thorough investigation into the contractor hiring process should be conducted to ensure proper vetting and adherence to safety regulations,” AAK said.
AAK reiterated that it remains committed to promoting safe and sustainable practices within the built environment.
The architects urged all relevant authorities to take immediate action to prevent further tragedies.
It emphasized that the incident highlights the critical need for rigorous site inspections, strict safety protocols, and compliance with regulations in construction projects across Kenya.
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