Four-Story Building Collapses in Kisii, Rescue Operations Underway

A four-story building under construction collapsed in Itierio, Kisii County, on April 6, triggering an urgent rescue operation. 

The collapse, which occurred approximately 15 kilometres from Kisii Town along the Kisii-Migori Highway near Suneka Market, left an undetermined number of individuals trapped beneath the debris. Emergency response teams from the Kisii County Government and the police swiftly mobilized to the scene. Rescued individuals have been transported to hospitals in Suneka and Kisii Town for medical treatment. 

Excavators are currently on-site to expedite the recovery process. The Kisii County Government is expected to provide a detailed briefing on the incident later today. The collapse not only endangered construction workers but also impacted nearby residents. Adjacent homes and businesses, including those near Itierio Mixed Primary School in Suneka, were affected by the debris. Reports of looting at the scene have further compounded the distress.

This tragedy follows the recent evacuation of residents from a structurally unsound 11-story building in Mombasa, near the Coast General Hospital. Heavy rainfall had caused cracks and a partial collapse of the building's basement, raising fears of a complete collapse. The Mombasa building, occupied despite being incomplete, revealed significant construction flaws upon preliminary assessment.

These incidents highlight a concerning pattern of structural failures in Kenya, raising critical questions about oversight, compliance with building codes, and the safety of construction practices. Authorities and stakeholders face mounting pressure to address these systemic flaws to protect residents and prevent future disasters.