The National Construction Authority (NCA) has vowed to take strict action following a tragic incident in Kisii County on Sunday, 6th April 2025, where a four-storey residential building collapsed, resulting in the loss of five lives. Three others were rescued and are currently receiving treatment at a local hospital. The building, located on Plot No. Wanjare/Bogiakumu/2138 in Itierio, was being constructed by Mr. John Chore.
The NCA has confirmed that the building was not registered with the Authority, and no contractor or consultant details were available for the project. Furthermore, the NCA’s Nyanza South quality assurance team had issued a suspension order on 3rd September 2024, halting construction due to non-compliance with building standards. Despite the suspension order, the developer resumed work without obtaining the necessary clearance from the NCA.
Upon learning of the collapse, the NCA, alongside officers from the Kisii County Government and the National Police Service, swiftly secured the site. Preliminary investigations suggest that poor workmanship and the improper placement of heavy construction materials on the upper floors may have contributed to the collapse. Authorities believe that the overload from the materials led to the structural failure of the building.
“This is a heart-wrenching incident, and our thoughts are with the victims and their families. The failure of this building could have been prevented if the proper procedures and regulations had been followed,” said Eng. Maurice Akech, Executive Director/Registrar of Contractors at the NCA. “We have zero tolerance for developers, contractors, or any professionals who ignore building standards or defy official orders. Those responsible will face severe legal consequences.”
This incident in Kisii County is the third major construction-related collapse in the past week. On 3rd April 2025, a building in Mombasa County on Plot No. Mombasa/Block XLVI/195 in Bondeni was reported to be sinking and tilting due to unauthorized additional floors, causing the failure of supporting columns. The building has been condemned and is awaiting demolition. On 2nd April 2025, another building in Suneka Sub-County, Kisii County, collapsed after construction had been halted by the NCA in November 2021. Fortunately, no casualties were reported in that incident.
The NCA has expressed deep concern over the increasing frequency of such incidents and is intensifying efforts to ensure that all construction projects comply with safety regulations. A detailed investigation into the cause of the Kisii County collapse is currently underway. The NCA has reiterated its commitment to enforcing building standards and preventing further tragedies in the future.
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