NAIROBI, Kenya.- This Sunday, an eight-story residential building collapsed in a neighborhood of Nairobireported the authorities and the Kenya Red Crosswho activated a rescue plan for possible victims after confirming that a person who was outside the building was injured when debris fell on him.
The building, which contained residential and commercial units, collapsed in Kahawa West, about twenty kilometers from the Kenyan capital.
“A multi-agency team is currently responding to a building collapse in Kahawa West, Nairobi County, where people are feared trapped,” the Red Cross said on its X social media account.
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.
— Kenya Red Cross (@KenyaRedCross) October 20, 2024
A little later, the same institution published on the social network that they had taken away two survivors.
Update: Two people have been rescued and taken to Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral & Research Hospital.
The search and rescue operation continues, thanks to the multi-agency response team. pic.twitter.com/Qr0Gu18v5T
— Kenya Red Cross (@KenyaRedCross) October 20, 2024
The Nairobi County Government, which includes the Kenyan capital, confirmed the collapse of the building on plot 233 on Station Road in Kahawa West.
“Currently, all teams in Nairobi County are fully committed to (…) the eviction of the occupants of the adjacent buildings,” said Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja.
“The families had been evicted last week” from the collapsed building, Sakaja stressed.
“It is expected that the victims will be minimal since the building was closed and the evictions carried out by the county planning compliance team,” the governor insisted on the X social network.
2ND SITUATION UPDATE ON BUILDING COLLAPSE IN KAHAWA WEST AS AT 1630 HRS
Nairobi City County and Multi Agency rescue teams continue search and rescue operations at the site of the collapsed building in Kahawa West. All required equipment has been assembled and mobilised.…
— Sakaja Arthur Johnson (@SakajaJohnson) October 20, 2024
So far, only one victim has been reported: “a middle-aged woman, who was outside the building, was injured by the debris that fell during the collapse. He is currently undergoing treatment and is stable,” Sakaja added.
Nairobi Police Chief Adamson Bungei also stated that residents had been evacuated from the building.
“We’re not sure if there were still people there, but I know there was an eviction. “They knew that (the property) was weak,” said Bungei, quoted by local media.
Nairobi County had given tenants 14 days to vacate the building starting October 16.
The notice stipulated that tenants must cease all activity and occupation and vacate the building before October 30, 2024, according to an official document issued by the capital government.
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**Interview with Nairobi County Governor Johnson Sakaja on the Kahawa West Building Collapse**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Governor Sakaja. We’re aware of the tragic building collapse in Kahawa West this Sunday. Can you provide us with an update on the situation?
**Governor Sakaja:** Thank you for having me. Yes, unfortunately, an eight-story residential building collapsed today around noon. We’re currently focusing on rescuing those who may be trapped under the debris. The Kenya Red Cross and a multi-agency response team are on-site, actively conducting search and rescue operations.
**Interviewer:** We heard reports that debris fell on a bystander. Can you tell us more about that incident?
**Governor Sakaja:** Yes, it’s true that one person outside the building sustained injuries when debris fell on them. Thankfully, they’re receiving immediate medical attention. Our priority right now is ensuring that everyone inside the building is accounted for and rescued.
**Interviewer:** What can you share about the status of the building and those who lived there?
**Governor Sakaja:** The building was already closed after the occupants were evicted last week due to safety concerns. I want to stress that we took those measures seriously to prevent potential disasters. We’re hopeful that the number of casualties will be minimal due to these precautions.
**Interviewer:** Can you elaborate on the ongoing rescue efforts?
**Governor Sakaja:** Absolutely. As of now, two survivors have been successfully rescued and transported to Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral & Research Hospital for treatment. The rescue teams remain on-site, tirelessly working to locate any other individuals who might be trapped. We are fully committed to this operation until every possible victim is found.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for your transparency and dedication, Governor. Is there anything else you’d like to add?
**Governor Sakaja:** I want to reassure the residents of Nairobi that we are doing everything possible to manage this situation. We appreciate the support from the Red Cross and other agencies involved. Please keep the affected families in your thoughts during this challenging time, and let’s all hope for more positive news as the search continues.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Governor Sakaja, for your time and the critical updates. We’ll continue to monitor the situation closely.
**Governor Sakaja:** Thank you for having me.
