NAIROBI, Kenya, Jan 11 – The National Construction Authority (NCA) has said that the residential building that collapsed in Karen, Nairobi, failed due to a formwork system collapse during concrete casting, as investigations intensify into the incident that left two people dead and several others injured.
In a statement issued Sunday, the Authority’s Executive Director maurice Oketch said the incident occurred at around 4:30 p.m. on Saturday at Plot No. 12882/197 along Ngong View Lane, where a proposed single-storey residential house was under construction.
“According to preliminary findings, the formwork system collapsed under the load of fresh concrete while work was ongoing at the carport area of the structure, leading to the sudden failure of the building,” he indicated.
Oketch further revealed that the project was not registered with the Authority, a mandatory requirement for all construction works in Kenya. “As a result, the site has been suspended with immediate effect under Suspension Order No. 165431 dated January 10, 2026.”
The Authority further identified the registered owner of the plot as Moses Nyakiongora.
The collapse resulted in two fatalities, two critically injured persons, and seven others with minor injuries, all of whom were evacuated to nearby hospitals for medical treatment.
Emergency response teams, working alongside the NCA, were deployed shortly after the incident. Rescue operations were completed later in the evening, and the site remains cordoned off as enforcement agencies continue investigations.
NCA said a comprehensive report will be issued once investigations are concluded, warning developers and contractors against undertaking construction works without proper registration and adherence to approved safety standards.
