A multi-storey building in Nairobi's Eastleigh district collapsed on Friday, October 23, 2026, during Friday prayers. The incident, which occurred along 9th Street near First Avenue, trapped an unknown number of people and triggered a multi-agency rescue operation.
The building, under construction, had no occupation certificate, according to officials. The ground floor was in use, but the upper floors were not yet occupied. Rescue teams faced challenges as crowds gathered and roads were blocked.
Nairobi Governor William Sakaja called for counties to regain prosecutorial powers to enforce construction regulations. He emphasized the need for stricter oversight of developers who violate building codes.
The collapse, which involved a 14-storey structure, left several people feared trapped beneath the rubble. A worker who survived the incident described being on the sixth floor and warned that others remained in danger.
This is not the first structural disaster in Nairobi. Previous incidents have raised concerns about building approvals, professional supervision, and regulatory enforcement. The Eastleigh collapse has intensified calls for reform in the construction industry.
The incident underscores systemic issues in Nairobi’s construction sector, where regulatory gaps and enforcement weaknesses have persisted. Experts warn that without stronger oversight, similar tragedies may continue.
