Two Feared Dead After Building Under Construction Collapses in South C

A multi-storey building under construction collapsed early on Friday in Nairobi’s South C area, with at least two people feared dead and several others unaccounted for as rescue efforts continue.

The building came down near the South C Shopping Centre, sending dust and debris across surrounding streets and forcing residents and traders to evacuate the area. Emergency services moved in quickly to secure the site and begin search operations.

Teams from the National Disaster Management Unit, the Kenya Red Cross, the National Police Service and Nairobi City County were deployed to the scene. The Kenya Red Cross said the area had been cordoned off to allow rescuers to search for people believed to be trapped under the rubble. At the time of reporting, two individuals had not been traced.

Concerns have also been raised about nearby buildings that were under construction, with officials assessing whether the collapse affected their structural stability. Residents reported hearing a loud bang shortly before the building gave way.

Witnesses said members of the public assisted in pulling at least one injured person from the debris before emergency crews arrived. Police later said security guards who were stationed at the site at the time of the collapse had not yet been located.

Nairobi police commander George Seda said multi-agency teams were continuing rescue operations while also securing the surrounding area to prevent further risk.

The building was reported to be a 19-storey development. Its collapse follows several other construction-related incidents in Nairobi. In February last year, a three-storey building under construction in Parklands collapsed, killing one worker. 

In July, a wall at a construction site along Rhapta Road collapsed and injured several labourers. Investigations later found safety violations at that site, including the lack of a compliance signboard.

In December, the National Construction Authority issued a warning after cracks were detected in a 13-storey building along Peponi Road, advising residents in parts of Westlands to remain cautious.