NAIROBI, Kenya — A construction worker has died, and three others were rescued after part of a 22-storey building under construction collapsed in Westlands on Wednesday night, in an incident that has renewed scrutiny over safety standards in Kenya’s construction sector.
The collapse occurred along School Lane at around 8:00 pm on March 18, when the upper section of the high-rise gave way, trapping four workers at the site.
Nairobi Police Commander Issa Mohamud said two of the workers narrowly escaped, while one was rescued with injuries. A fourth worker later succumbed to injuries sustained during the collapse.
“Investigations are ongoing to establish the cause of the collapse. We have accounted for all workers at the scene,” Issa said, adding that authorities were also probing why construction was ongoing at night.
Residents reported hearing a loud bang moments before the structure gave way, triggering panic in the neighbourhood.
Emergency responders faced difficulties accessing the upper floors, which had been deemed structurally unsafe, forcing rescue teams to proceed on foot.
Rescue operations continued through the night as teams worked to stabilise the building and evacuate those trapped. Officers from the National Construction Authority (NCA) and the Nairobi County government have since joined investigations into the incident.
The Westlands collapse came just hours after a similar tragedy in Kericho County, where another building under construction caved in at Chebocho Sub-location.
Kericho County Commissioner Jeremiah Gicheru confirmed that one person died in the incident, while four others were rescued and rushed to the hospital for treatment.
The response in Kericho involved the Kenya Red Cross (KRC), National Government Administrative Officers, and local rescue teams, who continued search efforts amid fears that more individuals could have been trapped under the debris.
The twin incidents have once again raised concerns over compliance with building regulations and occupational safety standards, particularly in fast-growing urban centres where high-rise developments are on the rise.
Kenya has in recent years witnessed a series of building collapses, often linked to structural weaknesses, use of substandard materials, or failure to adhere to approved designs and safety protocols.
Under existing regulatory frameworks, including oversight by the National Construction Authority, developers and contractors are required to comply with strict safety and structural guidelines to protect both workers and the public.
Experts say enforcement gaps, corruption, and informal construction practices continue to undermine compliance, exposing workers to significant risks.
Authorities have urged developers and contractors to strictly adhere to construction standards, warning that negligence could lead to criminal liability.
As investigations into both incidents continue, the tragedies are likely to intensify calls for stricter enforcement, accountability, and reforms aimed at improving safety in Kenya’s construction industry.
