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| NCA Executive Director Eng Maurice Akech |
The Mombasa County Government has announced plans to carry out a controlled demolition of a structurally unsafe nine-storey building located on Plot No. XLVI/195/MI, off Abdel Nasser Road. The demolition is scheduled for tomorrow morning at 8:00am, following a comprehensive structural assessment that deemed the building an imminent danger to public safety.
The assessment, led by the National Construction Authority (NCA) and a multi-agency team including the County Department of Lands, Urban Planning and Housing, the National Building Inspectorate, and the Kenya Defence Forces, revealed severe damage to the building’s foundation. Experts found that unauthorized borehole drilling had caused significant weakening of the ground floor columns, with some sinking by up to three meters. As a result, the building is now considered structurally unsound and poses a major risk to human life and property.
In a statement released today, Governor Abdullswamad Sharrif Nassir stressed the critical importance of the operation, underscoring the County Government's commitment to ensuring the safety of all residents. “This is a life-saving operation. We cannot and will not compromise on the safety of our people,” Governor Nassir remarked.
Ahead of the demolition, a series of precautionary measures have been put in place to safeguard the public. A mandatory evacuation of all buildings within a 1.2-kilometre radius of the site has been ordered, affecting areas including Digo Road, Hospital Road, Jomo Kenyatta Avenue, Mwembe Tayari, and parts of Ronald Ngala Road. The evacuation will also include the adjacent waters, with Beach Management Units being tasked with clearing the area.
In addition, the 504 patients currently at the Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital are being moved. Of these, 380 patients are scheduled for discharge, while 124, including eight in intensive care, will be relocated to Utange and Port Reitz Hospitals. Ambulances from the County Government, Kenya Red Cross, and the Kenya Navy are on standby to assist with the operation.
This decisive action comes after thorough deliberations from various authorities who agreed that the building’s condition presents a clear and present danger to public safety. The County Government is working closely with all relevant agencies to ensure a smooth and safe demolition process.
As the demolition approaches, authorities urge the public to stay clear of the designated exclusion zones and cooperate with the evacuation efforts. The County Government remains committed to safeguarding the well-being of all Mombasa residents during this critical operation.
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