Tragic building collapse in Nairobi’s South C area has claimed one life, with rescue efforts intensifying to locate a second missing person.
The multi-story structure, which was under construction, crumbled on Friday, January 2, 2026, highlighting persistent concerns about construction safety and regulatory oversight in the Kenyan capital.
On Sunday, January 4, 2026, a body was retrieved from the debris of the collapsed building. The Kenya Red Cross Society (KRCS) confirmed the recovery, with the body being transported in a police vehicle.
Rescue operations, now in their third day, are focused on finding the remaining missing individual, believed to be a security guard.
Assistant Inspector General of Police Dr. Duncan Ochieng, the operations commander, stated that the search is approximately 65% complete.
Initially, reports suggested four people were trapped in the rubble. However, after reviewing CCTV footage, Cabinet Secretary for Public Service, Human Capital and Special Programmes Geoffrey Ruku announced on Saturday that the number had been revised to two.
These two individuals were security guards on duty, understood to have been on the third floor when the collapse occurred. A family from Mukuru has identified one of the guards as their son, expressing hope for his survival but requesting a proper Islamic burial if he is found deceased.
The collapsed building was approved for 10 storeys but had reached 14 storeys with construction ongoing for a 15th when it fell. The National Construction Authority (NCA) confirmed that the project had flouted regulations. The owner, identified as Yussuf Mohamed Yussuf, and his company Abyan Consulting Limited, were responsible for the project.
Lang’ata MP Phelix Odiwuor, alias Jalang’o, revealed that South C residents have sent 43 letters to the Nairobi County Government, urging action against developers who disregard building codes.
A 2015 audit by the NCA found that 58% of buildings in Nairobi were unfit for habitation.
Also Read: https://www.kdrtv.co.ke/news/16-storey-building-collapses-in-south-c/
