Ministry orders probe into conduct of officials in collapsed South C building

The Ministry of Lands, Public Works, Housing and Urban Development has directed the National Construction Authority to conduct a formal investigation following the collapse of a multi-storey building in South C, Nairobi.

The incident, which occurred on January 2, has prompted emergency response operations and policy measures aimed at preventing similar tragedies in the future.

The building, located near South C Shopping Centre and Nairobi South Hospital on Muhoho Avenue (Plot No. 68/1306), was a mixed-use development registered with the NCA on November 8, 2023.

At the time of registration, all statutory approvals were in place, including a valid National Environment Management Authority licence and Nairobi County Government approvals.

Ministry CS Alice Wahome explained that the approved design allowed for twelve storeys, with four quality assurance inspections conducted during construction—all accepted, the last confirming works had reached the third floor.

However, the project became non-compliant after four additional floors were added beyond the approved scope.

“Actions, including deregistration of the architect who designed the building, will follow if found culpable,” Wahome said.

Following the collapse, a multi-sectoral agencies consultative committee (MSACC) emergency response was activated.

Wahome further outlined a policy framework to address the construction of additional floors beyond approved designs, proposing a nationwide review of buildings and the gazettement of the MSACC team to manage similar incidents.

Rescue teams have worked around the clock, using five bulldozers (four operational due to site constraints), while taking precautions due to the proximity of neighbouring buildings.

Wahome commended the multi-agency teams for their swift and coordinated response, arriving on-site within an hour of the collapse and continuing lifesaving efforts around the clock.

On January 4, an adult male was recovered from the debris and confirmed dead at Mbagathi Hospital before being transferred to the City Mortuary.

Professional institutions are conducting structural assessments of surrounding buildings, while MSACC finalises a preliminary report on the probable cause of the collapse.

The ministry said lessons from South C will guide stricter enforcement and policy reforms across the construction sector to prevent future tragedies.

Under Section 22 of the NCA Act No 41 of 2011, the authority is mandated to investigate contractors’ conduct.

Complaints may be lodged against contractors and the NCA board can conduct inquiries, call for explanations verified by affidavit, or take legal action. Contractors found guilty of improper or gross professional misconduct may face fines of up to one million shillings, imprisonment for up to three years, suspension, caution, or deregistration.

Decisions are communicated to the contractor within 14 days.