7 Still Missing After Kenya Nairobi Building Collapse

By Own Correspondent

Nairobi, Kenya — Rescue teams are continuing intensive search-and-rescue operations as seven people feared trapped under rubble after a multi-storey building under construction collapsed in Nairobi’s busy Eastleigh neighbourhood on Friday afternoon.

The building, located along 9th Street near First Avenue in the densely populated commercial and residential area of Eastleigh, Kamukunji Sub-County, came down at around 1–1:40pm local time on 23 October.

Dramatic footage showed the lower floors giving way before the structure pancaked, sending a massive plume of dust into surrounding streets.

Reports of the building’s height vary between 12 and 18 storeys, with scaffolding still visible as upper floors remained under construction.

Eleven shops on the ground floor and in the basement, including electronics outlets, a butchery and a grocery, were already operating at the time of the collapse.

Kenya Interior Cabinet Secretary, Kipchumba Murkomen, confirmed that the 67 construction workers on site had been accounted for;  66 escaped unharmed and one was injured but in stable condition in hospital.

The reported seven missing people are believed to have been inside the occupied shops.

“Eleven shops on the ground floor and in the basement were occupied at the time of the collapse.

"Seven people have been reported missing.

"The rescue team has made contact with some of them, and efforts are underway to rescue those trapped in the rubble,” Murkomen is reported having said.

He described the site as “very delicate,” noting that heavy machinery had to be used carefully to avoid further risk to survivors, including concerns about oxygen supply under the debris.

“We are hopeful that they are safe and this rescue effort is going to ensure that they are rescued alive,” he added.

Murkomen also warned professionals in the sector following the tragedy.

“Those found culpable must face the full force of the law… The shortcuts are not going to help us as a country.

"Corruption is not going to help us as a country. Quick money is not going to help us as a country. It can cost our nation and cost lives," he said.

Nairobi Governor, Johnson Sakaja, stated that the building lacked a certificate of occupation and that construction of the multi-storey structure had not received full county approval.

County records showed a change-of-use approval in 2024 for the property, which is linked to the estate of the late Wilson Mutia Musyoke, but an application to build a 15-storey structure with basement was never granted, he said.

Construction nevertheless proceeded, reaching higher floors.

“This building has no occupation certificate… this has potentially cost lives,” Sakaja said adding, “our concern is to save lives.”

“We’ve looked at the documentation… The application was never granted, meaning there is no approval for this construction," he added.

Sakaja called for stronger powers for county governments, noting that current fines, as low as KSh 5,000, fail to deter violators and that about 250 enforcement cases remain pending.

He urged the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions to appoint special prosecutors for building violations and demanded accountability from the architect, engineers and other professionals linked to the project.

Nairobi Police Chief, Issa Mohamud, confirmed early rescue of at least one woman and that voices of others had been heard.

He warned of a possible secondary collapse as the structure leaned on a neighbouring building and said a manhunt had been launched for those responsible.

“Investigations will be carried out. We’ll make sure people face the law for any negligence,” he stated.

Bibiye Mahmoud, president of the Institution of Engineering Technology of Kenya, criticised industry practices at the scene.

“The contractors and the engineers are supposed to ensure that the works are followed by professionals. But most are not," he said.

A multi-agency team including the Kenya Defence Forces, National Police Service, Nairobi City County, National Youth Service, Kenya Red Cross and others is leading the operation.

Heavy machinery, breakers and sniffer dogs have been deployed, though access is complicated by the building’s position between other high-rises.

At least two people, including a second woman on Saturday evening, have been rescued and taken to Kenyatta National Hospital.

Meanwhile, Kenya police had to use tear gas to disperse crowds amid reports of looting of nearby shops.

The National Construction Authority confirmed the project was registered on 30 July 2025 and identified the developer, contractor and registered professionals involved.

Building collapses remain a recurring crisis in Nairobi amid rapid urbanisation and high demand for commercial and residential space.

Past incidents include the 2016 Huruma collapse whee dozens were killed, and a January 2026 collapse of a building under construction in South C.

Audits have repeatedly shown large numbers of buildings failing safety standards or lacking proper approvals.

Critics point to weak enforcement, low penalties, corruption, shortcuts by developers and limited prosecutorial powers for counties as key factors.

Eastleigh, a major trading hub, is particularly dense, heightening both the risk and the human impact when structures fail.

Authorities have vowed thorough probes and accountability, while families of the missing continue to wait for news as rescuers work through the night.