Scores feared trapped after multi-storey building collapses in Kahawa West

A multi-storey building has collapsed in Kahawa West, Nairobi, prompting a response from emergency services.

A video circulating online captured the moment the structure crumbled, sending debris tumbling downwards.

While the cause of the collapse remains unknown, the Kenya Red Cross has mobilised a response team to the area.

A multi-storey building used for both residential and business purposes collapses in Kahawa West. pic.twitter.com/l6XkvQZvyO

— The Eastleigh Voice (@Eastleighvoice) October 20, 2024

“A multi-agency response team is currently responding to a building collapse in Kahawa West, Nairobi County, where people are feared trapped. More updates to follow,” the agency said in a tweet on Sunday.

Reports suggest that several families may be trapped inside the collapsed building, which housed both residential units and businesses.

Documents obtained by The Eastleigh Voice show Nairobi County had given the tenants 14 days to vacate the building from October 16, 2024.

The notice stipulated that tenants must cease all further development and occupation of the premises and vacate the building by October 30, 2024.

“Stop further development/occupation forthwith and remove the said development and vacate the building within a period of 14 days. From the date of this notice failing which the Nairobi City County may enter on the said land and execute the requirement as outlined herein above and may recover as a civil debt in any court of competent jurisdiction any related expense. This notice shall take effect on October 30, 2024,” reads the notice.

“A person who uses or causes or permits to be used the land to which this notice relates or carries out or causes or permits to be carried out operation or the said land in contravention of this notice shall be guilty of an offence provided for in Section 57,67 and 72 of the same Act.”

County Executive for Built Environment Patrick Mbogo confirmed that efforts are underway to evacuate individuals from adjacent buildings following the collapse.

“The Nairobi City County Government confirms the collapse of a housing unit in Kahawa West area plot no. 233, along Station Road, Kahawa West. Currently, all Nairobi County Teams are fully engaged in disaster recovery and evacuating occupants from adjacent buildings,” Mbogo said.