Two workers killed as building under construction collapses in Karen, Nairobi

Two workers were killed when a building under construction collapsed on Saturday in Karen, Nairobi.

Seven other workers were rescued and rushed to hospital with multiple injuries.

However, two people sustained severe crush injuries and were pronounced dead, police and the responders said.

Their bodies were transferred to the Nairobi Funeral Home.

The building had reached on the first floor and the masons were laying a slab when it collapsed on January 10, officials said.

Emergency service providers rushed to the scene after the news of the latest incident spread and cleared the rubble late in the night.

The Nairobi City County Government claimed the collapse of a building in Karen was caused by structural failure linked to poor workmanship and inadequate formwork.

County Executive Committee Member for Built Environment and Urban Planning, Patrick Mbogo said initial findings revealed the use of sub-standard materials, with timber gum tree supports allegedly used instead of the required steel props to support a double-volume slab.

According to NCCG, architectural plans for the project were approved on November 14, 2024, while structural plans received approval on November 27, 2024.

The developer and the structural engineer of the project were identified and would be questioned.

The incident occurred along Ngong View Lane in Karen Ward, Lang’ata Subcounty. Officials said the structure caved in while construction was ongoing, trapping workers beneath the debris.

Emergency and rescue teams were immediately dispatched to the scene following the report of the collapse.

The operation was carried out jointly by NCCG emergency responders, the National Disaster Management Unit, and the Kenya Red Cross.

Mbogo said further investigations are ongoing to establish accountability and ensure compliance with construction standards.

It comes a week after a 14-storey building collapsed and killed two guards on duty at South C in Nairobi.

There have been calls for action on officials responsible for the approval of the construction of the building.

Police are among those investigating the saga and have so far recorded statements from the developer and other parties involved.

The team has also summoned at least ten officials from the county government for statements.

Police plan to press charges against those found culpable for the collapse. There is also a push for an audit on many structures under construction.

This is after major professional bodies in the sector claimed graft had compromised the integrity of the structures.