Karen building collapse: Nairobi probes structural failure

Karen building collapse left two people dead and seven injured after a residential block under construction gave way in Nairobi on January 10. County officials say early findings point to structural failure tied to poor workmanship.

Karen building collapse: what we know

The structure fell at Plot No. 12882/197 on Karen View Lane in Lang’ata Sub-County. Emergency teams from Nairobi City County, the National Disaster Management Unit and the Kenya Red Cross responded and moved the injured to hospital. The two bodies were taken to the Nairobi Funeral Home.

Early probe flags poor workmanship

Preliminary assessments indicate the contractor used timber “gum tree” supports instead of steel props for a double-volume slab. Investigators believe this weakened the formwork and contributed to the failure. County officers say more tests and interviews are underway to confirm the chain of events.

Approvals and liability under scrutiny

Records show the county approved the architectural plans on November 14, 2024, and the structural plans on November 27, 2024. Officials stress the approvals do not transfer responsibility to the county under the mandatory indemnity form, which places accountability on the developer and registered professionals.

Rescue timeline and casualty updates

Responders rescued seven workers from the debris and transported them for treatment. Two workers suffered crush injuries and died at the scene, according to police and county briefings issued after the operation. Media and county updates through the weekend confirmed those totals.

Pattern of recent incidents in Nairobi

The Karen collapse came days after a separate failure at the South C Shopping Centre on January 2, which triggered a large multi-agency rescue. That earlier case renewed scrutiny of compliance with building codes across the city.

What investigators will examine next

Officials are reviewing site supervision records, materials test results and adherence to approved drawings and by-laws. The county’s indemnity framework requires developers to engage qualified, registered teams and submit concrete strength tests, among other checks. Findings will guide any enforcement action.

Key context for residents and workers

Authorities urge strict compliance with formwork standards on multi-storey sites. They also advise workers and neighbours to report visible defects or unsafe temporary supports during slab works. Strong oversight can reduce risk while investigations proceed.

Clear takeaway on the Nairobi probe

Investigators are focusing on workmanship and formwork choices after the Karen building collapse. The county expects to determine responsibilities once material tests, interviews and site audits conclude, with safety enforcement to follow.