Unapproved plans blamed for Nairobi building collapse
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on The Standard
Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja blames a change of use and unapproved architectural plans after a 16-storey building collapsed in Eastleigh. He asks professional bodies to investigate those involved, as about seven people may be trapped and 31 families have reported relatives missing, reports The Standard.
Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja believes that unapproved architectural plans and a change in the use of a building may have contributed to the collapse of a 16-storey building in Eastleigh, reports The Standard. About seven people are reportedly still trapped under the rubble, and 31 families have reported relatives missing.
According to Johnson Sakaja, Nairobi County approved the change of use of the building from residential to commercial and residential on 17 October 2024, but did not approve the architectural plans submitted on 20 November 2024. The file names physical planner Nathan Mutunga Kiiti, architect Emmanuel Mwangi Maina, Precise Civil Engineering and Stromax Holdings E.A. Limited as the contractor, as well as structural engineer Joseph Mutturi Mugu.
The governor asked professional organisations representing architects, engineers, quantity surveyors and builders to investigate responsibility and impose disciplinary sanctions if necessary. The county sent its report to several authorities, including the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, while Johnson Sakaja said enforcement measures had already been taken after unauthorised works were detected.
The collapse occurred after the rescue of a woman from the rubble, announced on 23 October. On 24 October, the authorities also reported that about 70 workers were on the site and that one person was still missing.
