A multi-storey building under construction collapsed along 9th Street in Eastleigh, Nairobi, on Friday, October 23, 2026. The 13-floor structure collapsed in the afternoon, trapping several people inside. Rescue teams were immediately deployed to the site to locate and extract those affected.
The National Police Service (NPS) confirmed on Saturday, October 24, 2026, that it had launched a manhunt for the building’s owner and the contractor responsible for the project. Authorities are investigating the cause of the collapse, which has raised concerns about construction safety in the area. Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja and Nairobi Regional Police Commander Issa Mohammud were present at the scene to oversee the response.
This incident follows a pattern of construction-related accidents in Nairobi. In 2025, a similar collapse in the same neighborhood resulted in multiple injuries and prompted stricter safety inspections. The latest collapse has intensified calls for regulatory oversight in the construction sector. Investigations are ongoing to determine the exact cause of the disaster, with officials emphasizing the need for accountability and improved safety measures.
