Several Feared Trapped as Building Collapses in Nairobi’s Eastleigh

GOOBJOOG NEWS | NAIROBI: Rescue operations were ongoing Friday after a multi-storey building under construction collapsed in Nairobi’s Eastleigh neighbourhood, with several people feared trapped beneath the rubble.

The building came down along 9th Street near First Avenue at around 1pm, sending debris across the busy commercial area and prompting an emergency response involving police, county teams and the Kenya Red Cross.

One person was rescued and taken to hospital, according to police, as emergency crews worked to establish whether other people remained trapped. The number of people affected and the extent of any injuries had not been confirmed.

Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja visited the scene and said rescuers were carefully clearing debris to reach anyone trapped inside. He urged patience as teams worked to create access and provide oxygen where necessary.

The building’s lower floors were reportedly occupied despite construction work continuing above, raising concerns about the safety of people inside when the structure collapsed.

Nairobi County said the building did not comply with construction guidelines, while Sakaja vowed legal action against those responsible. The cause of the collapse had not been established, and authorities were expected to investigate the building’s approvals and compliance with safety standards.

Police used tear gas to disperse crowds that had gathered around the site, saying congestion was obstructing access for emergency responders. Traffic was disrupted along nearby roads as businesses and residents watched the rescue effort.

Rescue teams continued working through the rubble as authorities sought to determine how many people might still be missing.

The incident has renewed concerns about building safety and enforcement of construction regulations in Nairobi, where rapid development has increased scrutiny of inspections and compliance in the construction sector.