The National Construction Authority (NCA) has provided an update on the construction site collapse in Karen, Nairobi, that occurred on Saturday, January 10, 2026, raising renewed concerns over unsafe and unregulated building practices in the city.
In a statement released on Sunday, January 11, the NCA confirmed that the incident claimed the lives of two workers, left two critically injured, and caused minor injuries to seven others. All the injured were rushed to a nearby hospital for urgent medical attention, while emergency teams worked into the evening to complete rescue operations.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the collapse happened during concrete casting at the carport of a proposed one-storey residential house. Authorities suspect that the formwork system failed under the weight of freshly poured concrete, triggering the tragic accident.
“The National Construction Authority (referred to as the ‘Authority’) reports that a construction incident occurred on Saturday, 10th January 2025, at approximately 16:30 p.m. at a site located on Plot Number 12882/197, Ngong View Lane, Karen Ward, within Lang’ata Sub-County, Nairobi County. The incident resulted in two (2) unfortunate fatalities, two (2) critically injured persons, and seven (7) others with minor injuries. All injured persons were promptly evacuated to a nearby hospital for medical attention,” the NCA stated.
“The project is a proposed one (1) storey residential development that was under construction at the time of the incident. The occurrence took place during concrete casting works at the carport area of the structure. Preliminary assessments indicate a suspected failure of the formwork system, which collapsed under the load of fresh concrete. The registered owner of the plot is indicated as Moses Nyakiongora.”
Alarmingly, the Authority confirmed that the construction project was not registered with the NCA, a legal requirement for all developments. Consequently, the site has been formally suspended and sealed under Suspension Order No. 165431 dated January 10, 2026.
“The construction project was not registered with the Authority and remains suspended vide Suspension Order No. 165431 dated 10th January 2026,” the statement read.
“The Authority, in collaboration with emergency response teams, was on site shortly after the incident occurred. Rescue operations were concluded last evening, and the area remains secured and cordoned off. Relevant enforcement agencies are currently conducting investigations into the incident, and a comprehensive report will be issued upon conclusion of the same.”
The Karen collapse adds to a growing list of construction-related tragedies in Nairobi, coming just weeks after the collapse of a 16-storey building in South C. The incident has reignited public outrage over weak regulatory enforcement, rogue contractors, and widespread disregard for safety standards in the construction sector.
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