“ Our Focus Right Now Is to Save Lives” — Sakaja Speaks After Eastleigh Building Collapse

Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has said saving lives remains the main priority after a building under construction collapsed in Eastleigh, Nairobi, on Friday, October 23, 2026.

The governor’s remarks come as emergency teams work at the scene along 9th Street, where several people were feared trapped beneath the rubble. The collapse happened at around 1 p.m., raising fears for construction workers, traders and members of the public in the busy area.

“Our focus right now is to save lives,” Sakaja said, stressing the importance of the rescue mission as authorities work to establish what happened.

Police officers and other emergency responders rushed to the scene to help with the operation. Heavy machinery was also brought in to remove debris and give rescuers access to the collapsed structure.

The incident has attracted the attention of residents and leaders, with many waiting for official updates about those who may have been caught inside the building.

Authorities have also faced challenges managing crowds around the scene. Reports indicated that people gathering nearby blocked access routes, making it harder for emergency teams to reach the site. Police moved in to help clear the area and allow rescue work to continue.

The cause of the collapse had not been officially established in the initial reports. Investigations will be important in determining what led to the disaster and whether construction safety rules were followed.

The incident has renewed concerns about building safety in Nairobi, particularly in busy neighbourhoods where construction work takes place close to shops, homes and public roads.

For families worried about missing relatives, the rescue operation remains especially important. Officials have urged people with information about missing workers to report to designated teams to help with identification and follow-up.

As the operation continues, residents will be looking for updates from county officials and emergency responders. For now, the main concern remains reaching anyone trapped beneath the rubble and helping those affected by the tragedy.

What measures do you think should be taken to improve building safety in Nairobi and prevent similar incidents?

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