NCA Orders Immediate Evacuation After Structural Failures Detected at Kisii Teaching and Referral Hospital

 

 The National Construction Authority (NCA) has ordered the immediate evacuation of patients and staff from the Nyangito Wing of the Kisii Teaching and Referral Hospital after a preliminary audit revealed multiple structural failures in the eight-year-old building.

A joint technical team comprising experts from the NCA, the National Building Inspectorate, and the Kisii County Government inspected the facility following reports of distress within the structure. Their initial assessment uncovered serious engineering defects, prompting urgent safety concerns.

According to the NCA, three major basement columns exhibited compression failure, while several beams at the basement level showed excessive deflection. Investigators also pointed to poor concrete quality in both beams and columns, along with significant deterioration of slabs and walls caused by persistent leakages. Diagonal cracks were also observed around window edges on the ground floor, further raising alarms about the building’s stability.

In response to these findings, the technical team recommended an immediate and full evacuation of all occupants from the affected block to prevent potential loss of life.

The Authority emphasized that the structural audit is still ongoing, with comprehensive tests and further investigations set to determine the extent of the damage and guide the next course of action.

The NCA also highlighted its strengthened regulatory capacity under the leadership of Executive Director Eng. Maurice Akech, noting that the institution remains committed to enforcing construction standards and protecting public safety.

Residents and hospital staff have been urged to remain calm as authorities work to secure the facility and finalize their evaluation.

“Our priority remains the safety and well-being of all users of the hospital,” the NCA said, assuring the public that a conclusive and responsible decision on the building’s future will be communicated once the investigations are complete.