A 16-storey building under construction has collapsed in Kenya’s capital, Nairobi, raising fears of multiple casualties, with reports that people may be trapped beneath the rubble.
The building came down on Friday in Eastleigh, a densely populated business and residential area of the city.
Local media reported looting shortly after the collapse, while police used tear gas to disperse crowds of onlookers gathered at the scene.
Nairobi, one of Africa’s leading business hubs, is experiencing a construction boom, with high-rise buildings emerging across the city.
According to the country’s statistics bureau, the number of buildings completed annually in Nairobi increased from 20,025 in 2022 to 25,090 last year.
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The growth reflects the city’s expanding population, as people move from rural areas and neighbouring countries in search of economic opportunities.
However, concerns persist over building safety, with allegations that corruption enables some contractors to ignore regulations and compromise construction standards.
Last year, Kenyan authorities found that 87 per cent of buildings audited nationwide either failed to meet required standards or lacked the necessary approvals.
Building collapses have caused several deadly incidents in the country.
In September 2022, five people were killed when a six-storey building collapsed in a town on the outskirts of Nairobi.
In April 2016, 49 people died when a six-storey apartment building collapsed in the northeastern part of the capital following days of heavy rain that triggered flooding and landslides.
