All the masons working on the eight-storey residential building that collapsed in Kahawa West, Nairobi, have been accounted for, according to Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja. The workers, who had been hired to repair cracked pillars and walls, were on the ground floor when the building gave way. Thankfully, the tenants had already been evacuated prior to the collapse, preventing a far greater tragedy.
Governor Sakaja also confirmed that a woman and her child, initially reported missing, have been found safe. The building had housed over 60 tenants, who were evacuated after noticing visible structural failures, which had raised alarms among local residents.
Another nearby building, showing similar structural weaknesses, was also evacuated as a precautionary measure. Nairobi County Deputy Governor Njoroge Muchiri was present at the scene to oversee the ongoing search and rescue operation. Multi-agency teams, including police and military personnel, were deployed to clear the rubble and ensure no one was trapped.
Governor Sakaja noted that the risk of casualties was low, as the building had already been condemned and residents were moved out as a precaution by the Nairobi City County’s Planning Enforcement team. So far, only one injury has been reported—a middle-aged woman struck by falling debris outside the building.
This incident highlights the quick action taken by both residents and authorities. Locals, noticing the building’s instability, mobilized an evacuation and captured videos of the structure moments before its collapse. The footage shows residents warning others to clear the area, followed by the dramatic fall of the building amid screams.
Nairobi police chief Adamson Bungei praised the local community’s vigilance, which played a key role in preventing a larger disaster. “They knew it was weak and had been told to move out. We are still searching to ensure no one is trapped inside,” he said.
While the cause of the collapse remains under investigation, the focus is now on ensuring public safety and preventing similar incidents. The rapid evacuation and organized response likely saved many lives, turning what could have been a major catastrophe into a situation with minimal casualties.
