Katani Residents Demand Halt to Four-Storey Building as Eastleigh Collapse Sparks Safety Fears

Residents of Katani in Machakos County have called for the suspension of a four storey residential building project, raising concerns about public safety, drainage and environmental pollution.

The protest comes days after a multi storey building collapsed in Nairobi’s Eastleigh area, renewing public concern over construction standards and the enforcement of building regulations.

The residents voiced their concerns on Sunday, October 25, during a public participation forum organised by the Katani Cosmopolitan Residents Association.

They want Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti and the National Environment Management Authority to intervene and address the issues surrounding the development.

Association secretary Frederick Luta led residents in questioning whether the project met the required environmental and safety standards.

Residents said they had previously submitted complaints to the county department responsible for lands and the environment, as well as NEMA, but had yet to receive satisfactory solutions.

Some residents raised concerns about the conduct of workers at the construction site, claiming that children and domestic workers faced potential risks.

One resident accused construction workers of harassment and alleged that complaints raised with the developer had not been adequately addressed, the allegations have not been independently verified.

Residents also questioned the handling of wastewater from a neighbouring building, warning that drainage into a nearby security trench could create health and environmental hazards.

The residents further blamed quarrying activities for worsening road conditions, dust and noise pollution in the neighbourhood.

They said the growing population and continued construction had placed pressure on existing infrastructure, making movement difficult and raising concerns about access to essential services.

The residents are now demanding inspections and intervention by the relevant authorities before the disputed development proceeds further.

Their concerns follow the collapse of a multi-storey building under construction in Eastleigh, Nairobi, on Friday, October 23.

The incident prompted rescue operations and renewed scrutiny of construction approvals, professional supervision and regulatory enforcement.

Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja said the collapsed building lacked the required construction approval.

The Katani dispute has added to calls for stronger oversight of construction projects to protect residents, workers and neighbouring properties from preventable dangers.

Sources; https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1FLGE4Mrd2/

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