A building collapse in Eastleigh, Nairobi, killed at least 12 people and injured dozens on October 23, 2026. The 18-storey structure collapsed along 9th Street, trapping many inside. Rescue teams from the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) and local authorities worked through the night to extract survivors.
Specialised KDF teams rescued six people from the rubble on the fourth day of the operation, October 26. The Kenya Red Cross reported 47 people still missing as search efforts continued. Emergency services faced challenges due to the building’s unstable structure and the risk of further collapse.
Local MP Yusuf Hassan condemned the incident, accusing the Nairobi planning department of corruption and negligence. He claimed systemic failures had created unsafe conditions that contributed to the disaster. His remarks followed calls for an independent investigation into the collapse.
The incident has sparked public outrage and demands for stricter building regulations. Authorities have pledged to review safety protocols and hold officials accountable. The death toll is expected to rise as more bodies are recovered.
The collapse highlights ongoing concerns about urban development in Nairobi. Previous incidents have raised questions about enforcement of building codes. As the search continues, families of the victims await answers.
