Nairobi | January 7, 2026

The National Construction Authority (NCA) has issued an updated report regarding the collapse of a multi-storey building under construction in South C, Nairobi, which occurred in the early hours of Friday, 2 January 2026, at approximately 4:00 a.m.

The incident involved a Proposed Mixed-Use Development located along Muhoho Avenue, Plot No. 68/1306, South C Ward, Lang’ata Sub-County, near South C Shopping Centre and Nairobi South Hospital.

Project Registration and Approval Status

Records held by the National Construction Authority indicate that the project was duly registered on 8 November 2023, having met all statutory requirements at the time. These included:

• Valid NEMA licensing
• Nairobi City County Government approvals
• A supporting geotechnical investigation report

The approved structural designs provided for a 12-storey development. Following submission on 4 November 2023, the project underwent NCA’s prescribed technical verification process and was approved under Project Registration No. 53127715710739 on 8 November 2023.

Registered Project Team

The registered project team comprised the following professionals and entities:

• Developer: Abyan Consulting Limited
• Architect: Arch. Gideon Chege Mwangi (Reg. No. A2010)
• Structural Engineer: Eng. Kireru Peter Kimani (Reg. No. A3687)
• Quantity Surveyor: QS James Kirika Njoroge (Reg. No. Q1126)
• Contractor: Abyan Consulting Limited (Reg. No. 77721/B/0923)

Quality Assurance Inspections and Compliance

During construction, the Authority conducted four (4) Quality Assurance (QA) inspections, all of which were marked as accepted at the time of inspection:

• 7 March 2024
• 13 August 2024
• 19 August 2024
• 27 August 2024

The final inspection confirmed that construction had progressed to the third floor level, and works were within the approved scope at the time.

However, investigations following the collapse established that four additional floors had been constructed beyond the approved designs, rendering the project non-compliant at the time of the incident.

Emergency Response and Site Operations

Immediately following the collapse, the Ministry, in coordination with the Multi-Sectoral Agencies Consultative Committee (MSACC), activated emergency response mechanisms to support rescue and recovery operations.

Key response actions include:

• Deployment of five bulldozers, four of which are operational due to limited site access
• 24-hour rescue operations, conducted cautiously due to the proximity of adjacent buildings
• Ongoing debris removal and lifesaving efforts

Fatalities

On 4 January 2026 at approximately 2:00 p.m., the body of an unidentified adult male was retrieved from the debris and transferred to the Nairobi Funeral Home (formerly City Mortuary) after confirmation at Mbagathi Hospital. On January 7^th, at 4.30pm, the second body of an unidentified adult male was recovered, and transferred to the mortuary

The site has been visited by senior government officials, including the Cabinet Secretary for Public Service, the Governor of Nairobi City County, and the Nairobi County Woman Representative, who received briefings from response teams.

Professional bodies within the built environment sector are currently undertaking structural assessments of neighbouring buildings to safeguard public safety and protect rescue personnel.

Investigations and Policy Interventions

The MSACC team has collected samples from the site and is finalising a preliminary report on the probable cause of collapse.

In response to the incident, the Ministry is developing a policy framework addressing the construction of additional floors beyond approved designs. In collaboration with County Governments, a nationwide review of buildings will be undertaken to identify and address similar non-compliance.

Additionally, the MSACC team has been forwarded for gazettement to strengthen coordinated response mechanisms for future incidents.

Legal and Regulatory Action

Pursuant to Section 22 of the National Construction Authority Act, No. 41 of 2011, the NCA Board will conduct a formal inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the collapse. The inquiry will determine liability and recommend enforcement or other appropriate action in accordance with the Authority’s mandate and the Construction Industry Code of Conduct.

The inquiry will be undertaken in collaboration with relevant agencies, including:

• Engineers Board of Kenya (EBK)
• Board of Registration of Architects and Quantity Surveyors (BORAQS)
• Nairobi City County Government
• Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI)
• Office of the County Commissioner

A broader compliance audit of buildings will also be conducted to ensure action is taken against non-compliant developments.

Appreciation and Public Assurance

The National Construction Authority commends all agencies involved in the rescue and response operations, noting that the multi-agency team was on site within one hour of the collapse and has worked continuously since.

The Authority reassures the public of its commitment to construction safety, regulatory enforcement, and accountability, and will continue to provide updates as investigations progress.