Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja is facing renewed scrutiny over building safety and the enforcement of construction regulations following the collapse of a multi-storey building in Eastleigh that left several people feared trapped beneath the rubble.
The building, which was under construction along 9th Street on Friday, October 23, collapsed at around 1 pm, triggering a major search and rescue operation. The ground floor was occupied by businesses at the time of the disaster.
The incident has reignited questions about how construction projects are approved, inspected and monitored across Nairobi, particularly in densely populated neighbourhoods where commercial activities operate alongside ongoing construction.
Building Had Approval but No Occupation Certificate
Speaking at the scene, Sakaja said the collapsed building had received county construction approval but lacked an occupation certificate, raising questions about how the ground-floor premises came to be occupied before the required clearance.
An occupation certificate is distinct from initial construction approval. Its absence raises questions about compliance with occupation requirements, although it does not, on its own, establish the cause of the structural failure.
The National Construction Authority has also identified the contractor, architect, structural engineer and developer listed in its project records. Investigations are expected to establish whether construction standards were followed and whether any failures contributed to the collapse.
Sakaja Calls for Tougher Enforcement
Following the disaster, Sakaja called for tougher penalties against developers who violate building regulations. He also renewed his push for county governments to regain prosecutorial powers to strengthen enforcement against construction-related violations.
The governor raised concerns about cases in which developers allegedly remove architects, engineers and quantity surveyors from projects after obtaining approvals, potentially undermining professional oversight.
His remarks have placed renewed attention on the county’s enforcement systems, including the follow-up of inspection notices and action against developers who fail to comply with approved plans.
Previous Collapses Renew Concerns
The Eastleigh disaster comes amid continuing concerns over building safety in Nairobi, including a reported building collapse in South C in January 2026. The incidents have intensified calls for stronger inspections and greater accountability across the construction sector.
The central questions now facing City Hall concern whether existing inspection systems are adequate, whether violations are detected and addressed in time, and whether enforcement measures are strong enough to protect residents, workers and businesses.
However, the Eastleigh building’s collapse does not by itself establish negligence by the governor or any specific county official. Investigators must determine the circumstances of the failure and whether any regulatory breaches contributed to it.
As rescue and investigative operations continue, the disaster has put the implementation of Nairobi’s building regulations under renewed public scrutiny, with residents seeking answers on how such incidents can be prevented.
