Sakaja blames change of use, unclear approvals in Eastleigh collapsed building
Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has attributed the collapse of a 16-storey building in Eastleigh to unauthorized architectural designs and improper change-of-use approvals. Authorities are investigating the professionals involved as rescue efforts continue for those trapped in the rubble.
Why it matters
The incident highlights critical issues regarding urban planning, regulatory oversight, and building safety standards in rapidly developing cities.
About seven people are said to be trapped in the rubble, while 31 families have reported missing kin. [Benard Orwongo, Standard] Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja now says a change of use and unapproved architectural designs might have triggered the collapse of a 16-storey building in Nairobi's Eastleigh. Sakaja on Saturday said City Hall approved the change of use of the building from a residential building to a commercial-cum-residential building on October 17, 2024, following an application submitted by physical planner Nathan Mutunga Kiiti, registration number 0274. While calling on professional bodies representing architects, engineers, quantity surveyors and builders to investigate individuals involved, Sakaja said the architectural plans submitted on November 20, 2024, by architect Emmanuel Mwangi Maina, registration number A2045, were not approved by the county. According to him, the civil and structural engineering submission was made under Precise Civil Engineering Ltd Stromax Holdings E.A.
Headlinne story · 4 newsrooms
Rescue Crews Dig Through Rubble After Building Collapses in Nairobi
What every outlet reported, where they differ, and how each framed it →
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in