The administration of Governor Johnson Sakaja has disclosed a harrowing history of regulatory non-compliance surrounding the fourteen-storey building that collapsed on Thursday, revealing that the structure had been repeatedly flagged by enforcement teams months before its catastrophic failure.
In the early hours of 2nd January 2026, the high-rise, situated on Kiganjo Muhoho Avenue, suffered what engineers describe as a “pancake collapse,” leaving at least two individuals feared trapped beneath a mountain of twisted steel and pulverized concrete.
Records from the Urban Planning Department indicate that the ill-fated development was a “repeat offender” in the eyes of the law. Enforcement operations had led to multiple arrests at the site in May, July, and as recently as 8th December 2025. These interventions were precipitated by a blatant failure to adhere to approved construction standards and safety regulations.
In a startling revelation, a senior official at City Hall confirmed that despite suspects being apprehended and arraigned, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) declined to pursue formal charges. This apparent breakdown in the judicial pipeline allowed construction to persist, notwithstanding the “myriad infractions” cited by county inspectors.
The Nairobi City County Government (NCCG) has mobilised a multi-agency rescue effort, including the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) Disaster Response Battalion, the National Youth Service (NYS), and the Nairobi Fire Brigade. A command centre has been established on-site to coordinate the delicate task of debris removal.
Gravity has not been the only enemy; the collapse has cast a shadow over neighbouring properties. Authorities have declared an adjacent building a “high-risk structure,” fearing that the immense vibrations and physical impact of the collapse have compromised its structural integrity. Specialized monitoring equipment, including theodolites and laser instruments, has been deployed to detect the slightest hint of tilting, cracking, or ground subsidence.
As the search for survivors continues, the focus has shifted toward a rigorous investigation into how such a precarious structure was permitted to reach fourteen storeys despite multiple warnings.
“The nature of the previously cited infractions and the history of enforcement actions will be central to our probe,” a county official stated. The tragedy has reignited a fierce national debate regarding the efficacy of building inspections and the urgent need for accountability within the construction sector to prevent further loss of life.
