The Kabiria Road apartment building is the subject of a parliamentary directive for investigations into structural cracks.
The National Assembly’s housing committee has urged investigators to establish why a Kabiria Road apartment building developed cracks, forcing nearly 100 families out.
Parliament has ordered investigations into Riruta apartment cracks after nearly 100 families fled a residential building fearing collapse. The 10-storey property stands along Kabiria Road in Nairobi’s Riruta Satellite area.
The National Assembly’s Housing, Urban Planning and Public Works Committee inspected the premises on Thursday, November 5. Its chair, Kuresoi South MP Joseph Tonui, urged investigative agencies to establish the cause quickly.
Investigators to examine Riruta apartment cracks
During the visit, committee members observed cracks of varying severity across the building. However, Tonui said investigators needed to complete their work before officials could determine the exact cause.
A preliminary National Construction Authority (NCA) assessment identified three adjoining blocks within the development. It also documented deep masonry cracks in the middle block and other sections of the property.
The NCA assessment found structural concerns and concluded that the apartments were unsafe for occupation. Nairobi City County and the authority subsequently marked the building red, declaring it dangerous under building safety regulations.
Earlier investigations pointed to possible structural damage that overflowing water tanks on the top floor may have worsened. However, authorities had not established the definitive cause of the cracks.
Families leave belongings during evacuation
Tenants reportedly heard a loud bang before discovering extensive cracks across the apartment building. Between 90 and 100 families then left the premises amid fears that it could collapse.
Most households left their belongings behind because authorities initially prevented residents from retrieving them, citing safety concerns. Tenants later gained supervised access to collect their possessions.
Authorities also raised concerns that the development had proceeded to construction and occupation without the necessary approvals. The committee called for urgent investigations and appropriate action over the building’s condition.
Meanwhile, the MPs stressed the need for parliamentary intervention to help prevent a repeat of previous building tragedies. Their directive seeks a clear explanation for the cracks that forced residents from their homes.
