Rescue efforts continue at the collapsed building site on Eastleigh’s 9th Street.
Governor Johnson Sakaja says the county approved only a change of use and asks professional bodies to investigate those linked to the project.
Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has called for investigations into professionals linked to the Eastleigh building collapse. He said construction of the 12-storey development proceeded without approved building plans.
Sakaja spoke during the second day of multi-agency search-and-rescue operations at the site on 9th Street. He urged professional bodies representing architects, engineers, quantity surveyors and builders to investigate their members’ conduct.
The governor wants the bodies to establish whether those involved met professional standards and construction regulations. He also called for disciplinary action against anyone the investigations find responsible.
Eastleigh building collapse raises approval questions
Sakaja said county records showed only one approval for the development: a change of use. This allowed a shift from residential use to combined commercial and residential use.
The county granted that approval on October 17, 2024, following an application by physical planner Nathan Mutunga Kiiti. His registration number is 0274.
However, Sakaja said the county did not approve architectural plans submitted on November 20, 2024. Architect Emmanuel Mwangi Maina, registration number A2045, submitted those plans.
The project records identified Maina as the architect and Joseph Mutturi Mugu as the structural engineer. Meanwhile, the civil and structural engineering submission carried the name of Precise Civil Engineering Ltd. The records also listed Stromax Holdings E.A. Limited as the contractor.
Sakaja stressed that change-of-use approval did not amount to approval of the construction plans. He said that distinction was central to establishing accountability for the collapse.
County forwards report to investigators
The governor said professionals whose details appeared in the development process had a duty to ensure compliance. That responsibility covered approved plans, building regulations and safety standards.
He also said the county had sent its report to relevant authorities, including the Directorate of Criminal Investigations. In addition, Sakaja said county officials had taken enforcement action several times after detecting unauthorised construction at the site.
Sakaja renewed his call for county governments to regain prosecutorial powers. He argued that stronger enforcement mechanisms and effective penalties would deter developers and professionals from breaking building regulations.
Search and rescue continues
Meanwhile, multi-agency teams continued rescue operations and debris clearance in Eastleigh, Kamukunji Sub-County. Authorities were working to reach anyone who might still be trapped beneath the rubble.
The investigations will seek to establish the circumstances surrounding the collapse and determine individual responsibility. They will also examine whether professional or regulatory breaches occurred.
