By John Kariuki
The National Construction Authority (NCA) has released a statement following a tragic scaffold collapse at a construction site in Eastleigh, Nairobi, on Tuesday, December 31, 2024. The incident occurred at approximately 1:00 p.m. at a project located on 11th Street, off Yusuf Haji Avenue.
According to the NCA, three construction workers fell from the 19th floor, where they were engaged in masonry works. Tragically, one worker was pronounced dead at the scene, while two others were rushed to the hospital in critical condition. At the time of the incident, around 20 workers were present on-site.
The NCA compliance team, in collaboration with the National Police, promptly responded to the scene, cordoning off the site and suspending all construction activities. The project, which had obtained all the necessary construction approvals, is being developed by Mr. Francis Mwangi Maunji. Consultants for the project include Architect Weke S. Omondi, Engineer Alkizim Khalid Omar, and Quantity Surveyor Brian Otieno Oluoch. The contractor is Masha Allah Construction Limited.
Preliminary investigations by the NCA indicate that the workers were operating on a wooden scaffold and a timber platform. The collapse is believed to have been caused by a combination of factors, including poor installation, inadequate maintenance, and significant safety lapses. It was noted that the workers were not equipped with safety harnesses, despite operating at such great heights.
The NCA has emphasized its commitment to ensuring accountability, stating that detailed investigations are ongoing. The Authority assured the public that appropriate legal and administrative action will be taken against those found culpable.
The NCA reiterated its mandate to uphold safety standards and oversee construction activities across the country to prevent such incidents in the future.