Two Feared Trapped as 16-Storey Building Collapses in Nairobi’s South C, Prompting Multi-Agency Rescue

Two people are feared trapped after a 16-storey building under construction collapsed early Wednesday along Muhoho Road in South C, Nairobi. The Kenya Red Cross confirmed the incident. Rescue teams from the military, police, county emergency services, and Kenya Power are on site. The area has been cordoned off to keep residents safe while search and rescue operations continue.

The collapse happened early in the morning, leaving two workers trapped under debris. “The area has been cordoned off as the National Disaster Management Unit, Nairobi City County, the National Police Service and the Kenya Red Cross continue search and rescue operations,” the Red Cross said on X. Eyewitnesses criticized the slow response. They said faster intervention could have saved lives.

One witness said, “Those working here are still inside. We don’t know if they are alive. Since around 4:00 am, no responders arrived with proper equipment. By the time help came, it might have been too late.”

Lang’ata MP Felix Odiwuor (Jalang’o) condemned the collapse. He blamed developers and corrupt construction authorities for bypassing safety rules using political connections. “I’ve written more than 43 letters to the county about suspicious buildings. There has been no response. Some developments continue because of political ties,” he said. The building is among projects monitored by the South C Residents’ Association.

Odiwuor also criticized the speed of private high-rise developments. Some are completed in just over a year. Government housing projects often take two years. He said this shows systemic failure and lack of proper oversight.

He called for all ongoing construction in South C to stop. He urged a multi-agency evaluation of every site. “We need the National Construction Authority and county approval. Multi-agency oversight is essential before work continues,” he said.

The incident raises major concerns about construction safety in Nairobi. Authorities continue to search for the trapped workers. Investigations are ongoing, and the community awaits answers.