Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja announced on October 24, 2026, that seven people were feared trapped in a collapsed building in Eastleigh. Speaking at the site, he stated the structure was under construction without approved plans despite previous enforcement actions.
Sakaja revealed that approximately 250 building enforcement cases remain pending, citing delays in prosecuting construction violations as a barrier to Nairobi County’s enforcement efforts. He called for special prosecutors to handle the cases, emphasizing the need for stricter compliance with physical planning regulations.
The governor also named architects and engineers linked to the incident, stating the county had only approved a change of use, not the building plans. He referred the matter to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, indicating ongoing legal action.
Records show an application for a 15-storey building with a basement was never approved, raising concerns about professional accountability and enforcement failures. Sakaja stressed that the collapse highlights systemic issues in construction oversight.
The incident follows reports of unapproved construction in the area, with authorities now investigating potential negligence and regulatory breaches. The governor’s remarks underscore the urgency of enforcing building codes to prevent future tragedies.
