Four people trapped after Nairobi building collapses, rescue operations ongoing
Rescue operations are underway in Nairobi following the collapse of a multi-storey building on Fri, Jan 2, 2026, which left at least four individuals trapped, as reported by Kenyan authorities.
Rescue operations are underway in Nairobi following the collapse of a multi-storey building on Fri, Jan 2, 2026, which left at least four individuals trapped, as reported by Kenyan authorities.
The incident occurred in the South C area of the capital. The Kenya Red Cross has confirmed that a multi-agency response team is actively managing the situation.
According to Geoffrey Ruku, the Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of Public Service, two watchmen and two pedestrians remain trapped under the debris. A taxi driver, who survived the incident, is currently hospitalized and has provided essential information to the authorities.
Rescue operations are underway in Nairobi following the collapse of a multi-storey building on Fri, Jan 2, 2026, which left at least four individuals trapped, as reported by Kenyan authorities.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the building, which had been approved for a maximum of 12 floors, had reached 14 floors at the time of collapse. Ruku indicated that the collapse might be attributed to column overload.
President William Ruto has been briefed on the incident, and an investigation into the cause is ongoing. The Kenya Red Cross is also inspecting an adjacent building that shows signs of potential structural failure.
Building collapses are not uncommon in Nairobi, a city facing high demand for housing. It has been reported that some developers bypass regulations or violate building codes. Following several building collapses in 2015, resulting in 15 fatalities, a national audit revealed that 58% of buildings in Nairobi were deemed unfit for habitation.
Based on reporting by Africanews.
