Authorities have launched a manhunt for the owner of a building that collapsed in Eastleigh, Nairobi, on Friday, October 23, as emergency teams race against time to rescue people feared trapped beneath the debris.
Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja disclosed that the building had obtained an approval certificate from the county government but lacked an occupation certificate, raising concerns about how the structure came to be used before construction was completed.
Sakaja also questioned the conduct of developers who allegedly dismiss qualified professionals after securing county approvals and replace them with individuals whose professional credentials may be questionable.
“We are appealing to all professionals that once you are given an approval and later fired, you must report to the regulators as well as the county government, because from the look here it appears like there was no professional on site,” Sakaja said.
One woman has been pulled from the rubble as rescuers continue working to determine the number of people trapped inside the collapsed structure.
According to Sakaja, emergency teams had heard voices from beneath the debris, prompting efforts to remove rubble carefully and create openings that would allow oxygen to reach those potentially still alive.
Footage obtained by Vantage Ke showing the building shortly before its collapse enabled this publication to count up to 18 floors.
Police Vow Action Against Those Responsible
The building was located along Yusuf Haji Avenue, next to Day to Day Supermarket on 9th Street in Eastleigh. Businesses and other commercial activities were reportedly operating on the lower floors even as construction work continued.
Nairobi Regional Police Commander Issa Mohamed vowed that authorities would pursue everyone found responsible for the incident, including individuals who approved the construction.
Mohamed warned that anyone found culpable of criminal negligence would face legal consequences. He also disclosed that the building's owner had not presented himself to the police.
Concerns over the possible number of victims emerged after a casual labourer who had been working at the site before taking a lunch break told reporters that more than 70 people could have been inside the basement.
The labourer indicated that those potentially affected included construction workers, food vendors and other service providers operating around the site. However, the estimate has not been independently verified, and authorities are yet to establish the actual number of people who may be trapped beneath the rubble.
Multi-Agency Rescue Operation Underway
The search and rescue operation has brought together personnel from the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), General Service Unit (GSU), regular police, Anti-Terrorism Police Unit, Bomb Disposal Unit, National Youth Service, Kenya Red Cross and other specialised emergency response teams.
Excavators, concrete breakers and sniffer dogs have also been deployed to remove debris and help locate survivors.
The operation is ongoing as rescuers work to reach anyone who may still be alive beneath the collapsed structure. Nairobi police leadership has urged residents to stay away from the scene to allow emergency personnel to conduct the rescue operation without interference.
Meanwhile, Embakasi East Member of Parliament (MP) Babu Owino has called for an independent investigation into the building approval system, citing concerns over alleged corruption, negligence and inadequate enforcement of construction regulations.
The incident has renewed scrutiny of building approvals, professional oversight and compliance with safety requirements in Nairobi, particularly in densely populated neighbourhoods where construction and commercial activities take place close to residential areas.
