NAIROBI, Kenya- A building under construction collapsed on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at a residential site in Karen, leaving two workers dead and seven others injured in a tragedy that has reignited concerns over construction safety standards in Nairobi.
The incident occurred at a one‑storey residential development at Plot No. 12882/197 along Ngong View Lane, Karen Ward, within Lang’ata Sub‑County, opposite Karen Community Church.
Unregistered Construction, Formwork System Failure
According to the National Construction Authority (NCA), the site was not registered with the authority, a mandatory requirement for all construction projects in Kenya, and has since been suspended under a suspension order dated January 10, 2026.
Preliminary investigations indicate the collapse occurred during concrete casting works at the carport area, when the formwork system failed under the weight of fresh concrete, causing part of the structure to give way.
The NCA identified Moses Nyakiongora as the registered owner of the plot.
Rescue and emergency teams, including the NCA and other enforcement agencies, responded to the scene and completed rescue operations by the evening.
Good afternoon. Find below the Authority’s statement on the construction incident in Karen Ward, Lang’ata Sub County, Nairobi County. ^WK
Casualties and Response
The disaster claimed the lives of two construction workers who were buried under debris, while seven others sustained minor injuries and were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment.
Emergency response was swift, with Kenya Red Cross and National Disaster Management Unit (NDMU) teams deployed alongside county and national responders to assist in the rescue and medical evacuation of the injured.
Allegations of Substandard Workmanship
Government officials from the Nairobi City County Government have also highlighted concerns over poor workmanship and substandard materials used in the project, which likely contributed to the structural failure.
Initial assessments suggest that timber gum tree supports were used instead of required steel props for the double‑volume slab, weakening the structure and leading to its collapse.
County authorities confirmed the approval of architectural plans on November 14, 2024, and structural plans on November 27, 2024, but have raised questions over compliance with approved standards during execution.
Further investigations are ongoing, with authorities examining both technical and regulatory aspects to determine accountability and whether legal action may be warranted against those responsible.
Wider Safety Concerns in Nairobi’s Construction Sector
The Karen collapse comes less than two weeks after another deadly structural failure in Nairobi’s South C area, where a multi‑storey building under construction also collapsed, killing at least two people and raising serious questions about enforcement of building regulations and professional standards.
Experts and professional bodies have long warned that unsafe construction practices, lax enforcement and corruption in approvals and inspections continue to pose grave risks.
Some industry studies suggest that a significant proportion of buildings in Nairobi may not fully comply with safety standards, heightening worries about urban development safety.
Calls for Accountability and Reform
Following the collapse, government officials and safety advocates have called for stronger oversight of building projects, rigorous enforcement of registration and safety standards, and clear accountability for developers, engineers and supervisors whose negligence could endanger lives.
As investigations continue, relatives of the victims and the public await further details on causation and official recommendations to prevent a repeat of such tragedies in Nairobi and beyond
