A residential building in Nairobi, Kenya, collapsed on Sunday, leaving several people feared trapped under the rubble. The eight-story structure in Kahawa West had been condemned for demolition due to shoddy construction and flouted regulations.
Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja confirmed that one woman was injured outside the building during the collapse but is in stable condition. He also announced plans to evacuate residents from neighboring structures.
The incident sparked a swarm of onlookers as emergency responders worked to assess the situation. Catherine Wanjiku, a former resident of the building, expressed relief at having escaped the collapse but shared concerns for friends whose belongings were destroyed.
A Nairobi county document revealed that the building was constructed and occupied without necessary approvals, prompting authorities to order its evacuation.
The collapse highlights the ongoing issue of substandard construction in Kenya, where corruption has allowed contractors to bypass regulations and cut corners. Similar incidents have occurred in the past, resulting in fatalities and significant property damage.