By Thabo Mosia
A tragic incident has occurred in Kahawa West, Nairobi County, where a 7-storey building collapsed, leaving several people feared trapped under the rubble. The collapse happened around noon on Sunday, October 20, 2024, sending shockwaves through the community and prompting a massive emergency response. The building, which housed both residential units and businesses, crumbled to the ground, sparking fears of a significant loss of life.
Videos circulating on social media captured the final moments before the collapse. In one clip, residents could be seen being instructed to stay away from the structure as it visibly tilted, indicating that it was on the verge of collapse. Despite these warnings, it is feared that some individuals were unable to escape in time and remain trapped beneath the debris.
Emergency Response Underway
The Kenya Red Cross has confirmed that rescue operations are currently underway. A multi-agency emergency response team, including the Nairobi City County Government, the Kenya Red Cross, and other relevant agencies, is on the scene, working tirelessly to search for survivors and assist those who may be trapped.
In a statement, the Kenya Red Cross expressed its concerns about the number of people feared to be trapped and highlighted the urgency of the situation. “A multi-agency response team is currently responding to a building collapse in Kahawa West, Nairobi County, where people are feared trapped,” the agency said.
Emergency responders, equipped with specialised tools and machinery, are working around the clock in the rescue efforts. The scene is chaotic, with onlookers gathering in distress, hoping for news of their loved ones.
Building Marked as Dangerous
Reports have emerged that the building had been previously marked as dangerous by the Nairobi County Government. The County had instructed all occupants to vacate the premises due to concerns about its structural integrity. The building, located on plot no. 233 along Station Road, was reportedly flagged for safety violations, with officials warning that it was unfit for habitation.
Nairobi County Executive for Built Environment, Patrick Mbogo, confirmed that the building had been marked for evacuation prior to the collapse. He stated that the County Government had directed occupants to leave the premises following inspections that raised red flags about the building’s structural soundness.
“The Nairobi City County Government confirms the collapse of a housing unit in Kahawa West area plot no. 233, along Station Road, Kahawa West. Currently, all Nairobi County Teams are fully engaged in disaster recovery and evacuating occupants from adjacent buildings,” Mbogo said in a statement.
Previous Occupants and Businesses
According to reports, a significant portion of the building’s occupants had already vacated before the collapse due to the county’s earlier warnings. The building had hosted several businesses, including an Equity Afia Hospital, which had since been relocated. While most residents and business owners are believed to have vacated, it remains unclear how many people were still inside at the time of the collapse.
Witnesses at the scene reported that some individuals, including those living in adjacent buildings, had rushed back into the structure in an attempt to retrieve belongings, potentially putting their lives at risk.
Evacuation of Adjacent Buildings
In addition to the collapse site, authorities are taking preventive measures to evacuate residents from nearby buildings as a precaution. County officials have expressed concern that the collapse of the 7-storey building may have caused structural damage to neighbouring apartments, increasing the risk of further collapses.
Mbogo reiterated that safety assessments were ongoing, and the County Government would continue to update the public as more information becomes available. “Our teams are conducting thorough inspections of adjacent buildings to ensure the safety of residents in the area. We are committed to preventing any further loss of life,” he added.
The evacuation process has created a sense of panic among local residents, many of whom are now unsure if their homes are safe. Authorities have urged calm, assuring the public that all necessary measures are being taken to ensure the safety of those in the affected area.
Historical Issues of Building Safety in Nairobi
The Kahawa West building collapse highlights ongoing concerns about building safety in Nairobi and other urban areas across Kenya. Rapid urbanisation, combined with poor enforcement of building regulations, has led to the proliferation of unsafe buildings, many of which do not meet required construction standards.
This latest collapse is reminiscent of several similar incidents in recent years. In May 2021, another building collapse in Nairobi’s Embakasi area resulted in multiple deaths, prompting calls for stricter enforcement of building codes. Despite these tragedies, many buildings continue to be constructed without proper oversight, leaving residents vulnerable to such disasters.
The Kenyan government has been criticised for failing to adequately address the issue of substandard buildings. Many have called for more stringent regulatory measures and harsher penalties for developers who violate safety standards.
Kenya Red Cross and Multi-Agency Response
The swift response from the Kenya Red Cross and other emergency services has been crucial in the initial rescue efforts. The Red Cross, known for its rapid disaster response capabilities, has mobilised its resources to provide first aid, emotional support, and emergency shelter for those affected.
The multi-agency approach has involved collaboration between the Nairobi County Government, the National Disaster Management Unit (NDMU), and volunteer groups. Specialised equipment, including heavy machinery, is being used to carefully lift the debris while ensuring the safety of potential survivors underneath.
As nightfall approaches, the rescue efforts are expected to continue into the early hours. Authorities have called for additional support from national agencies to ensure that no stone is left unturned in the search for survivors.
Public Reaction and Social Media
The news of the collapse has sparked an outpouring of concern and frustration on social media. Many Kenyans have expressed their dismay at the frequency of building collapses in urban areas, calling on authorities to take stronger action against rogue developers.
The video footage showing the moments leading up to the collapse has gone viral, with thousands of people sharing it on platforms like Twitter and Facebook. In the video, a crowd can be seen gathered near the building, with concerned bystanders shouting warnings. Despite these warnings, the building came crashing down in a cloud of dust and debris moments later.
One user wrote on Twitter, “Another tragedy, another collapse. How many more lives need to be lost before we address the issue of unsafe buildings? We need accountability from those responsible for constructing these death traps.”
Others have offered prayers and support for the families of those feared trapped, with hashtags such as #KahawaWestCollapse trending in Kenya.
Government Accountability and Future Steps
The Kenyan government is under increasing pressure to address the underlying causes of these building collapses. Critics argue that corruption, lack of oversight, and the rush to meet the housing demand in Nairobi have resulted in developers cutting corners on safety standards.
There have been repeated calls for a comprehensive audit of all buildings in the city, particularly older structures that may not meet modern safety standards. In response to previous incidents, the government has implemented task forces to investigate, but many feel that these measures have been insufficient to prevent further disasters.
Following the Kahawa West collapse, there are renewed demands for developers and contractors to be held accountable for negligence, as well as for stricter enforcement of building regulations.
In a statement, Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja expressed his condolences to the affected families and vowed to take immediate action to prevent future tragedies. “This is an avoidable disaster. We will ensure that those responsible are held accountable, and we will intensify our efforts to improve the safety of all buildings in Nairobi,” Sakaja said.
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