CS Ruku: Two people trapped in South C collapsed building

The government has clarified that two individuals are suspected to be trapped in the building that collapsed in South C, Nairobi.

The government also stated that there is reason to believe that people trapped in the collapsed building may still be alive, as intensive search and rescue operations continue at the site.

Cabinet Secretary for Public Service, Human Capital Development and Special Programmes, Geoffrey Ruku, said information available to the Incident Command Post indicates two reports of persons suspected to have been inside the building at the time of the collapse.

He noted that this belief has strongly informed the ongoing response and has prompted rescuers to sustain round-the-clock operations.

“Based on information available at the Incident Command Post, there are two reports of persons suspected to have been trapped inside the collapsed building. There is reason to believe they may still be alive, and this belief continues to strongly inform and motivate the ongoing intensive rescue efforts,” he said in a statement Saturday.

“At this early stage, I wish to appeal to families and friends of the suspected victims to remain patient and hopeful. Incident management team is working day and night, deploying specialised skills, equipment, and proven urban search and rescue techniques.”

The building collapsed at approximately 4.05am on January 2, 2026, prompting the immediate activation of a coordinated multi-agency emergency response.

The operation is being conducted under the leadership of the National Disaster Management Unit, with a fully functional Incident Command System established at the scene to coordinate rescue activities and ensure responder safety.

Ruku said the government’s response is guided by clear objectives, including securing the safety of first responders and the public, carrying out search, rescue and recovery operations for suspected victims, reopening blocked roads to restore normalcy in the area, and clearing debris in a safe and orderly manner once rescue priorities allow.

He also sought to clarify key details surrounding the incident, noting that the collapsed structure was a 14-storey building with a basement parking area and that it experienced a complete pancake-type collapse.

He emphasized that the cause of the collapse has not yet been established and warned against speculation as investigations continue.

“We have noted with concern speculative and conflicting information circulating in some sections of the media and on social media platforms. The competent agencies have jointly launched investigations to establish the cause of the collapse. Once concluded, any person or group found culpable will be held fully accountable in accordance with the laws of Kenya,” he added.

The CS cautioned that the structural integrity of an adjacent building has not yet been confirmed, adding that a multi-agency technical team is conducting detailed assessments.

Until official guidance is issued, he urged Kenyans to keep off the incident area unless access is absolutely unavoidable.

Ruku commended emergency responders for their dedication and professionalism, saying they continue to operate under extremely hazardous conditions.

He reaffirmed that the government remains fully committed and present at the frontline of the response, stressing that the rescue or recovery of the suspected victims remains the highest priority as operations continue.