Eastleigh collapse sparks fresh questions over building approvals

Kenya, October 23, 2026 - escue teams spent Friday afternoon digging through the rubble of a multi-storey building that collapsed along Yusuf Haji Avenue in Eastleigh, searching for anyone who may have been trapped inside.

The structure came down around 1 p.m. next to Day to Day Supermarket on 9th Street. Kenya Red Cross response teams were among the first to arrive and immediately began coordinating the search. Nairobi City County emergency crews followed shortly after, bringing in machinery to clear debris and open access routes to the collapsed floors.

Police under Nairobi Regional Commander Issa Mohamed used tear gas to disperse large crowds that had gathered at the scene. Officers said the action was necessary to create space for rescuers and to stop people from looting scrap metal from the rubble. Some ambulances were forced to divert briefly after stones were thrown at them before they could reach the site.

By late afternoon, heavy machinery was at work removing concrete slabs while rescue personnel continued combing through the debris. The Kenya Red Cross repeatedly urged members of the public to stay clear of the area so that emergency teams could work safely. County officials confirmed that the Relief Officer had been notified and additional resources were being mobilised.