Multi-Storey Building Collapses in Nairobi’s South C Estate, Emergency Teams Respond

NAIROBI, Kenya — A construction site turned into a scene of chaos and destruction Friday morning when a multi-storey structure gave way in Nairobi’s South C Shopping Centre area, sending clouds of dust billowing across the neighborhood and prompting an immediate emergency response.

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The incident occurred on January 2, transforming what had been an active construction zone into a massive pile of rubble and twisted metal. Witnesses described hearing a thunderous roar as the building crumbled, followed by a dense plume of dust that blanketed surrounding streets.

Local residents and shop owners evacuated nearby premises as debris scattered across the vicinity. The sudden collapse sent shockwaves through the community, with many fleeing to safety amid fears of secondary collapses or additional hazards.

According to Kenya Red Cross officials, a coordinated multi-agency team arrived on scene within minutes to begin crisis management procedures. Search-and-rescue personnel are currently combing through the wreckage, though authorities have not yet disclosed whether anyone remains trapped or if casualties have been reported.

“Security cordons have been established around the perimeter while the National Disaster Management Unit works alongside Nairobi City County officials, the National Police Service, and Kenya Red Cross personnel to conduct thorough search operations,” a Red Cross spokesperson confirmed.

As of press time, neither municipal authorities nor the National Construction Authority have released official statements regarding what may have triggered the structural failure or provided details about the building’s construction history and compliance records.

This latest incident highlights growing concerns about construction safety standards in Kenya’s capital. Just weeks earlier, in mid-December, the National Construction Authority issued a public warning about a 13-storey Westlands building on Peponi Road that had developed significant structural cracks. Officials declared that building posed an imminent collapse risk and dispatched quality assurance inspectors to evaluate compliance standards.

Nairobi has witnessed a troubling pattern of construction-related disasters in recent months, with Westlands emerging as a particular hotspot for such incidents. Last July, a barrier wall gave way at a Rhapta Road construction site, leaving multiple laborers injured. Investigations into that incident revealed numerous safety protocol breaches, including allegations that the site operated without proper signage or visible safety measures.

In another tragedy last February, a three-storey Parklands building collapsed on Third Avenue during evening hours, claiming one life. The victim, who had remained on-site to monitor security systems after other workers departed, was discovered trapped in the debris. Despite efforts to rescue him, he had already died by the time help arrived.

The recurring nature of these collapses has intensified public scrutiny of construction oversight mechanisms and raised urgent questions about enforcement of building codes across Nairobi’s rapidly developing urban landscape.

Investigations into Friday’s South C collapse are expected to examine construction permits, structural engineering reports, and compliance with national building regulations as authorities work to determine accountability and prevent future disasters.