Nairobi authorities investigate building collapse that left five missing

Two men were pulled alive from the rubble of a collapsed building in Nairobi’s Eastleigh district on Friday, while police continue to search for five people still missing. The collapse, which occurred in the afternoon, brought the structure to the ground in a dramatic burst of dust and concrete, leaving a trail of debris across nearby streets.

The building, a 16‑ to 18‑story block under construction, had already opened 11 shops on its lower floors. At the time of the collapse, 67 construction workers were inside, 66 of whom escaped unharmed and one who suffered non‑life‑threatening injuries. Many of the workers were on the upper floors and managed to exit the site largely unscathed. The missing individuals were believed to have been in the shops at the base, where the collapse first gave way. Footage shows scaffolding still wrapped around the outer structure, suggesting that the collapse was sudden and not the result of a gradual failure.

Police launched a manhunt for the building’s owner and the contractor responsible for the site. Nairobi Governor Sakaja Johnson said the owners did not have the required paperwork for the building to be occupied and urged the national government to empower local authorities to penalise developers who ignore approved plans and safety standards. Kenya’s National Construction Authority confirmed it had identified the company, architect, and structural engineer involved, but has not yet stated whether the site had been inspected before the collapse. The National Police Service opened an investigation to determine the cause and to establish whether anyone will face criminal liability, warning that negligence or violation of building regulations will be punished under the full force of the law.

The incident has reignited concerns about construction standards in Kenya, where building collapses are not uncommon and poor construction or improper planning are frequently cited causes. Authorities are now pressing for stricter enforcement of building codes and better oversight of construction sites. As rescue teams work to locate the missing five, the case highlights the need for stronger regulatory frameworks and accountability in the rapidly expanding Nairobi skyline.