The Engineers Board of Kenya has launched investigations into the collapse of a proposed multi-storey building in Eastleigh, Nairobi, seeking to establish the factors behind the incident and the role of engineers involved in the project.
In a statement, the board said it was investigating the collapse that occurred on October 23 along Yusuf Haji Avenue, 9th Street, Eastleigh.
The incident resulted in injuries and damage to property, raising questions about compliance with engineering standards, construction regulations and safety requirements.
“The Board has launched formal investigations to establish what factors may have contributed to the collapse, including establishing the role of any engineers in the project,” the statement signed by acting Registrar and Chief Executive Officer Grace Onyango said.
The board warned that any confirmed breach of professional standards, licensing requirements or engineering obligations would attract regulatory action in accordance with the law.
The investigations come as emergency response teams continue search and rescue operations at the site, where a person was rescued and taken to Kenyatta National Hospital.
The Kenya Red Cross Society said 66 of the 67 construction workers who were on site at the time of the collapse had been traced and accounted for, with the search continuing for anyone else who may have been in or near the building.
The Engineers Board also directed all stakeholders in the construction sector to comply with the law, approved designs and drawings, engineering standards, quality assurance procedures and safety requirements.
It emphasised the need for adequate site supervision by qualified professionals throughout construction.
The directive places renewed focus on the responsibilities of professionals and other stakeholders involved in building projects, particularly in ensuring that construction work follows approved plans and meets the required safety standards.
The board said it remained committed to protecting public safety through strict enforcement of engineering standards and collaboration with national and county government regulators.
It also urged members of the public to report suspected non-compliance, fraudulent practices and concerns over the authenticity of engineering documents through its official channels.
Reports can be submitted through the dedicated reporting tabs on the board's website, www.ebk.go.ke, for appropriate action under the Engineers Act.
The Engineers Board of Kenya is a statutory body established under Section 3(1) of the Engineers Act, Cap. 530.
Its mandate includes the registration and licensing of engineers and engineering consulting firms, as well as the regulation and development of engineering practice in the country.
The board has not yet announced the findings of its investigation into the Eastleigh collapse.
