Government Launches Probe After South C Building Collapse Kills One

The government has launched a formal investigation into the collapse of a multi-storey building under construction in South C, Nairobi, after one person was confirmed dead as rescue operations continued for a third day.

The building, located near South C Shopping Centre and Nairobi South Hospital along Muhoho Avenue, collapsed at around 4:00 a.m. on Friday, January 2, 2026. The structure was a mixed-use development approved for twelve floors but had reportedly exceeded the approved height, raising serious compliance concerns.

Cabinet Secretary for Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Hon. Alice Muthoni Wahome, led the government’s response, mobilising emergency teams within an hour of the incident. Rescue operations have been running кругл-the-clock under the coordination of the Multi-Sectoral Agencies Consultative Committee (MSACC).

On Sunday afternoon, rescue teams recovered the body of an adult male from the debris. He was pronounced dead upon arrival at Mbagathi Hospital.

According to the Ministry, the project had been duly registered with the National Construction Authority (NCA) in November 2023 and had received statutory approvals, including a valid environmental licence and county government clearance. However, preliminary findings indicate that the developer constructed four additional floors beyond the approved design, rendering the building structurally non-compliant.

“The safety of Kenyans is non-negotiable,” said Hon. Wahome. “This tragic incident underscores the consequences of disregarding approved building plans. We will ensure accountability and strengthen enforcement to prevent recurrence.”

Five bulldozers were deployed to the site, although only four are currently operational due to space constraints and the proximity of neighbouring buildings. Built-environment professional bodies have been conducting structural integrity assessments on adjacent properties to mitigate further risk.

The site has also been visited by Cabinet Secretary for Public Service Hon. Justin Muturi Ruku, Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, and Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris.

Hon. Wahome has directed the NCA to commence a formal inquiry under Section 22 of the NCA Act, alongside a nationwide compliance audit of ongoing developments. The Ministry is also developing a new policy framework to curb the growing problem of unauthorised additional floors in urban construction.

The MSACC team is expected to release a preliminary report on the probable cause of the collapse in the coming days.

As rescue efforts continue, the government has reiterated its commitment to enforcing construction standards and safeguarding lives, warning developers against flouting approved designs.