The crisis in Nairobi’s Eastleigh neighbourhood has entered another critical phase following the collapse of a multi-storey building under construction on Friday, October 23, leaving families anxiously waiting for news of missing relatives.

As of Wednesday, October 28, authorities were still tracking 20 people reported missing, while rescue teams continued clearing debris in search of anyone who might remain trapped.

The disaster has disrupted activity in the busy commercial neighbourhood and reignited concerns about building safety, regulatory oversight and accountability in Nairobi’s construction sector.

Building safety under scrutiny

The collapse has raised serious questions about whether the building complied with approved construction plans and safety standards. Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja said the architectural plans for the development had not been approved, despite earlier enforcement action over alleged planning violations.

The Engineers Board of Kenya has launched an investigation to establish the factors that contributed to the collapse and examine the role of engineers involved in the project.

The incident has also triggered renewed calls for stronger inspections, accountability among developers and professionals, and more effective enforcement by the relevant authorities.

Rescue efforts and families' anguish

According to updates published on October 28, the multi-agency rescue operation had entered its fifth day. Authorities reported that 32 of the 52 missing-person cases recorded by the Kenya Red Cross tracing desk had been closed, including two people rescued alive. The remaining 20 cases were still being investigated. The Standard

Rescuers have faced challenges involving underground water and sewer systems, as well as the risk of further structural instability. Officials have urged families to provide accurate identification details to help establish who was at the site when the building collapsed. The Standard

For relatives waiting at the scene, the uncertainty has been deeply distressing, with many still hoping their loved ones will be found.

Accountability questions grow

The disaster has intensified scrutiny of how construction regulations are enforced in Nairobi. Questions have emerged over the approval process, previous enforcement notices and the handling of suspects following alleged planning violations. These matters require thorough investigation, with responsibility established through evidence and due process.

As rescue efforts continue, the immediate priority remains locating the missing and supporting affected families. The longer-term challenge will be ensuring that any regulatory failures are identified and addressed to reduce the risk of similar.