Search and rescue operations at the collapsed multi-storey building in Eastleigh, Nairobi, remain challenging nearly a week after the disaster, with 16 people still missing.
National Disaster Management Unit Director Duncan Ochieng said rescuers had made limited progress because of the confined space, heavy debris and restricted access to the site.
Ochieng said teams were working cautiously to locate people suspected to be trapped beneath the rubble, stressing that the safety of rescuers and members of the public remained a priority.
“It has taken us almost seven days. This kind of collapse requires a lot of care. The safety of both responders and members of the public is very important,” he said.
He said the team had tentatively completed about 80 per cent of the operation, involving excavation and debris removal, but the nature of the collapse continued to slow efforts.
“This type of collapse is a bit challenging because it is in a confined space. We can only access it from one side and the debris are too much,” Ochieng said.
He urged members of the public, particularly families waiting for news of their relatives, to remain patient as emergency teams continued with the delicate operation.
“We are still searching for those who are suspected to be in the rubble,” he said.
Ochieng said survival remained possible for people trapped beneath the debris, depending on their condition and whether they had sustained injuries.
“From a professional point of view, we know that life can be sustained within the first 72 hours. If somebody is not injured in any way, they can remain alive for up to two weeks,” he said.
He warned that severe injuries, bleeding and loss of body fluids could significantly reduce a trapped person's chances of survival.
Families have expressed growing frustration as rescuers struggle to reach two people reportedly detected by Chinese experts using thermal imaging more than 24 hours earlier.
Phone data has placed nine of the 16 missing people at the site, although the search for everyone suspected to be trapped continues.
Two people were rescued alive following the collapse and are receiving treatment in hospital.
Meanwhile, investigations are underway to establish the circumstances surrounding the building's approval and determine whether the required construction regulations were followed.
Authorities have yet to provide a full account of the approvals and compliance checks relating to the structure as the rescue operation continues.
