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| Eng. Maurice Akech, Executive Director and Registrar of Contractors at National Construction Authority |
By John Kariuki
The National Construction Authority (NCA) has launched an investigation following the collapse of a third-floor slab at a commercial and residential development in Nairobi on Tuesday, 11th February 2025. The incident, which occurred at approximately 5:30 PM, resulted in the tragic loss of one construction worker’s life, while others at the site managed to escape unscathed.
According to initial reports, the workers were in the process of casting the slab when the structure gave way. Preliminary assessments by NCA engineers and investigators point to poor falsework (temporary support structures) as the possible cause of the collapse. However, authorities have launched a full-scale investigation to determine the exact cause and assess whether there were violations of construction safety standards.
The project was officially registered with NCA under registration number 53127415710791. It is being developed by Rodol Homes Ltd, with Architect Bhumpinder Singh Dogra (A457), Engineer Byakika Fredrick Patrick (E314), and Quantity Surveyor Kennedy Odhiambo (Q705) leading the consultancy team. The main contractor, Gokul Builders Ltd (2983/B/0314), is also under investigation as authorities examine compliance with safety regulations.
Following the collapse, officers from the National Police Service and the NCA secured and cordoned off the site to prevent unauthorized access and preserve evidence. Authorities are conducting structural assessments, reviewing construction approvals, and interviewing witnesses to establish liability.
In an official statement, Eng. Maurice Akech, Executive Director and Registrar of Contractors at NCA, assured the public that any person or entity found to have acted negligently or in violation of construction laws will face strict legal consequences. He emphasized that safety in Kenya’s construction industry is a top priority, and enforcement measures will be taken against those responsible.
This tragic event underscores the urgent need for stricter enforcement of building regulations in Kenya’s booming real estate sector. The construction industry continues to experience rapid growth, but incidents like this highlight the importance of adhering to safety standards to prevent avoidable disasters. As investigations progress, key stakeholders will be watching closely to see what measures will be implemented to enhance accountability, compliance, and worker safety in the sector.
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