Mombasa forms task force to probe fatal building collapse, safety lapses
The County Government has confirmed that there is compelling evidence pointing to professional negligence, compliance failures, and potential malpractice in the construction process, which may have contributed to the initial collapse that led to the loss of life.
The County Government of Mombasa has constituted an independent task force to investigate the circumstances that led to the structural failure that saw controlled demolition of a multi-storey building situated off Abdel Nasser Road.
The move comes amid growing public concern over unsafe construction practices and mounting pressure for accountability following the fatal incident at the site.
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The building was found to be structurally unsound and in violation of key construction and supervision standards.
Authorities carried out a controlled demolition under strict supervision and with technical support from the Kenya Defence Forces.
The County Government has confirmed that there is compelling evidence pointing to professional negligence, compliance failures, and potential malpractice in the construction process, which may have contributed to the initial collapse that led to the loss of life.
Speaking during a press briefing, Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir said the County had set up an independent multi-agency task force to fully investigate the matter.
“We are taking legal action against anyone found responsible for this incident. Professionals who signed off on unsafe works will be held to account. We must uphold safety standards in our urban developments,” he said.
The task force is chaired by Architect Lawrence Gitau, Director at the National Building Inspectorate, and will work alongside representatives from the Engineers Board of Kenya (EBK), the National Construction Authority (NCA), the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), the Kenya Institute of Planners (KIP) Coastal Chapter, the Board of Registered Architects and Quantity Surveyors (BORAQS), and the Association of Architects of Kenya (AAK).
The Governor made it clear that for legal purposes, the task force will operate independently and will be supported by a designated secretariat.
According to Governor Abdulswamad, the task force will investigate all developments previously handled by the developer, contractor, project engineer, and architect associated with the collapsed building.
We are taking decisive action. I have appointed a fully independent Multi-Agency Taskforce chaired by Arch. Laurence Gitau of the National Building Inspectorate to investigate the development and construction supervision of the unsafe building on Plot No. XLVI/195/MI. pic.twitter.com/pvFrJTH3zb
— Abdulswamad Sheriff Nassir (@A_S_Nassir) April 9, 2025
All construction works linked to the same parties in other locations within the county have also been suspended until further notice.
He added that building inspectors from the County Government who signed off on any paperwork related to these constructions, if found responsible of any wrongdoing, will proceed on compulsory leave.
Their reinstatement will be subject to verification that what they approved on paper corresponds with what was constructed on the ground.
“The County Government will not permit anyone to play with the lives of our people. This should serve as a warning to others. We are drawing a line. Any individual or institution found to have cut corners during construction will face full legal consequences,” he said.
In a related directive, the Governor suspended all applications for building extensions across the county. “Any ongoing works involving engineers, architects or contractors are suspended until the investigations are complete. For the avoidance of doubt, all building extension approvals are put on hold.”
Governor Abdulswamad confirmed that Architect Gitau had already submitted a preliminary report but emphasised the importance of receiving a final, comprehensive report within the next two weeks. “We would like to have the final report to guide legal and administrative action. People need to take responsibility.”
He also disclosed that the County Government has begun cleaning and fumigation exercises at a Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital affected by the demolition debris. “Today and tomorrow, the hospital is being thoroughly cleaned and sprayed to ensure patients are not exposed to any health risks. It will be reopened the day after tomorrow,” said the Governor.
In his executive order, Governor Abdulswamad reaffirmed the County’s commitment to safe, lawful, and sustainable urban development in accordance with the Constitution of Kenya, the Physical and Land Use Planning Act, and all applicable regulations.
He instructed the County Treasury to provide the necessary funding and logistical support to facilitate the task force's operations and called on all county departments and agencies to fully cooperate with the investigation.
“This is about saving lives and restoring public confidence in our urban planning processes. We cannot allow the mistakes of a few to compromise the safety of an entire city.”
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