An 18-story building under construction collapsed Friday in Nairobi, Kenya, triggering an emergency operation as authorities feared workers and passersby were trapped beneath the rubble.
The structure gave way on Friday, October 23, near Yusuf Haji Avenue, inside the busy Eastleigh commercial district on the eastern side of the Kenyan capital. Security forces and the Kenya Red Cross deployed rescue brigades to the scene immediately.
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Two people were pulled from the wreckage and rushed to Kenyatta National Hospital for specialized care, according to the latest report from relief agencies. The Kenya Red Cross confirmed that search and rescue operations continued without interruption at the collapse site.
The humanitarian organization located 26 people who had initially been reported missing. Tracking teams deployed across the sector found them safe and sound.
Given the heavy foot traffic in the commercial area, county security forces used tear gas to disperse crowds. The measure sought to protect nearby businesses from looting and to clear access routes for emergency vehicles.
🇰🇪 An 18-storey building under construction collapsed in Nairobi, Kenya
Numerous people, including construction workers and nearby pedestrians, are trapped under the rubble. pic.twitter.com/ErrXr9dzJE
— Visegrád 24 (@visegrad24) October 23, 2026
Authorities asked residents to keep the perimeter clear so Red Cross teams and partner agencies could work safely. “Kenya Red Cross teams are working with partners from various agencies to support search and rescue operations,” the organization said in a statement.
Governor Deploys Machinery
Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja said relief agencies kept heavy machinery and specialized personnel on Yusuf Haji Avenue to remove debris and investigate possible failures in the construction project.
Sakaja also announced the installation of a guidance and information center at the site of the disaster. The facility aims to serve the families of workers and area residents directly, providing updated reports on the removal of materials and the status of the investigation into the responsible construction company.
The governor’s office described the operation as ongoing, with no timetable for when the rubble would be fully cleared or the cause determined.
The collapse added to concerns about construction safety standards in Nairobi, where rapid urban growth has pushed a wave of high-rise building across the city. The structure was still under construction when it fell, leaving questions about the materials, the design and the permits behind the project.
Rescue crews continued combing through the debris for any remaining victims. The Red Cross reiterated its call for the public to stay away from the area. “Clear the area to allow rescuers to work safely,” the organization urged.
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Authorities have not yet confirmed whether anyone remains unaccounted for. The two injured patients were receiving treatment while investigators began examining the site for signs of structural failure.
The Eastleigh neighborhood, known for its dense commercial activity and large Somali community, sits in the eastern part of Nairobi. The collapse disrupted business operations across the district as authorities cordoned off streets around the disaster zone.
The investigation will look at the construction firm’s permits, the quality of materials used and whether the building met the standards required for an 18-story structure. Governor Sakaja said those findings would be shared with the families awaiting answers.
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