A 16-story residential building under construction collapsed in Nairobi’s South C neighborhood early today, January 2, 2026, with at least four individuals feared trapped under debris. The incident, reported to authorities at 4:30 a.m. local time, has prompted a large-scale emergency response.
Kenya Red Cross teams and specialized sniffer dogs are leading search operations, though efforts were temporarily halted after vibrations from the collapse caused a neighboring 14-story structure to shift. Nairobi County officials later declared the adjacent building high-risk, complicating rescue logistics.
Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku confirmed ongoing efforts to locate the missing, while the National Construction Authority revealed the collapsed building was registered but non-compliant with safety standards. “This tragedy underscores the urgent need for stricter oversight,” a spokesperson stated.
Authorities have not yet identified the cause of the collapse. The incident highlights persistent concerns about urban construction practices in rapidly developing African cities.
