Tension Grips Nairobi After 18-Storey Building Collapses, Many Feared Dead

Rescue operations continued in Eastleigh, Nairobi, on Friday, October 23, 2026, following the collapse of a multi-storey building under construction, with the number of people trapped beneath the debris yet to be established.

The building collapsed along 9th Street near First Avenue, triggering panic among residents, traders and passersby as emergency teams rushed to the scene.

Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja confirmed that one person had been rescued from the rubble, while another injured individual was reportedly taken to hospital for treatment.

Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja also visited the scene and assured the public that rescue teams were working tirelessly to save lives.

Several agencies, including the Kenya Defence Forces, Nairobi County emergency teams, the National Disaster Operations Centre and the Kenya Red Cross, participated in the operation.

Reports from the scene indicated that some people trapped beneath the debris had been communicating with rescuers, raising hopes of locating additional survivors.

However, emergency personnel faced challenges removing the rubble safely without endangering those who might still be alive.

The incident has also raised questions about construction safety and compliance with building regulations in Nairobi.

Governor Sakaja indicated that the building had received county approval but lacked an occupation certificate.

Authorities are expected to investigate the circumstances surrounding the collapse and determine whether safety regulations were violated.

Meanwhile, anxious families continued waiting for updates as rescue operations progressed, with the exact number of missing persons remaining unknown.

https://x.com/citizentvkenya/status/2113634339254616390

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