Mombasa authorities arrest developers, engineers defying stop orders after building collapse
The arrests form part of heightened efforts to tackle rogue construction practices after the partial collapse of an 11-storey building in Kilifi Corner on April 2, which tragically claimed one life.
Authorities in Mombasa have arrested several developers and engineers for ignoring stop orders related to illegal construction, just days after a task force report highlighted unsafe developments in the county.
Enforcement officers from the Lands, Housing and Urban Renewal Department and the Inspectorate Department carried out the arrests as part of intensified efforts to crack down on rogue construction practices.
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These efforts follow the partial collapse of an 11-storey building in Kilifi Corner on April 2, which tragically claimed one life.
The department confirmed that ongoing operations had led to the suspension of multiple unauthorised developments. It warned that any further violation of building regulations would be met with strict legal action.
“The Lands, Housing, and Urban Renewal Department warns developers against violating building regulations since the offences will be met with firm legal action,” the department stated.
Systemic failures
A recently released report by a task force established by Governor Abdulswamad Sherrif Nassir revealed serious systemic failures that contributed to the April collapse, including fundamental design flaws, lack of site investigations, unqualified supervision, and credential renting by licensed professionals.
The report further indicated that 73 per cent of approved developments in Mombasa were handled by only five architects, and 61 per cent by just three structural engineers, raising concerns over oversight and professional malpractice.
“The safety of our people demands that we now do things that may be difficult, disruptive, and even painful, but which are absolutely necessary,” said Governor Abdulswamad during the launch of the report titled "Charting a Safer Path, Mombasa Taskforce Report on Unsafe Development and the Future of Building Safety".
Rented credentials
Among those found culpable were developers, contractors, licensed professionals who rented out their credentials, and a county officer accused of enabling procedural shortcuts.
The report recommended immediate enforcement measures, structural audits, and the introduction of peer reviews and geotechnical studies for high-risk projects.
The county government has pledged swift implementation of urgent reforms, including a public compliance monitoring dashboard and integration of regulatory systems with national bodies such as EBK and BORAQS.
The arrests mark the first major action under the new enforcement directive and signal the county’s resolve to restore public trust and enforce professional integrity in the construction sector.
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