Eastleigh Building Collapse: Sakaja Names Developer, Explains County Approval

Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has identified the family linked to the ownership of the building that collapsed in Eastleigh, Nairobi. The property belongs to the estate of the late Wilson Mutia Musyoki, while John Mutia Musyoki was listed as the developer in official records. The building had reached 18 floors when it collapsed, raising questions about compliance with construction regulations.Speaking during the second day of search-and-rescue operations, Sakaja said Nairobi City County had approved a change of use for the property but had not approved the architectural plans for its construction. The approval, issued on October 17, 2024, allowed the property to change from residential to commercial-residential use.

According to the governor, an application submitted in 2024 sought permission to construct a 15-floor building with a basement. However, the building eventually reached 18 floors. Architectural plans submitted on November 20, 2024, by architect Emmanuel Mwangi Maina were not approved by the county government.

County records also named Stromax Holdings E.A. Limited as the contractor and Joseph Mutturi Mugu as the structural engineer. Precise Civil Engineering Ltd was listed in connection with the civil and structural engineering submission. Sakaja urged professional bodies representing architects, engineers, quantity surveyors and builders to investigate those involved and determine whether they followed the required standards.

The governor described the incident as a case of total impunity and called for disciplinary action against anyone found responsible. He said the county had taken enforcement action against unauthorised construction on several occasions and forwarded its report to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations for further investigations.

Meanwhile, multi-agency teams continue search-and-rescue operations and debris removal at the site on 9th Street in Eastleigh. Authorities are searching for anyone who may remain trapped beneath the rubble as investigations seek to establish the circumstances surrounding the collapse and determine individual responsibility.

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