South C Developer Accused of Failing to Honour Safety Commitments

By James Nyaigoti

A property developer undertaking excavation and building construction in South C is facing public criticism after residents say it failed to implement safety measures explicitly promised in writing even as the community still reels from a recent fatal building collapse in the area.
In a letter dated April 10, 2025, Adizone Limited had assured residents of Bandari Villa Phase 1 that it would take precautionary and protective measures during site preparation on property known as Nairobi/Block 24/1850 (formerly LR 209/12727). The letter, addressed to a neighboring property owner, outlined several safeguards including structural reinforcements, installation of hoarding and electric fencing, enhanced surveillance, and a commitment to repair or compensate for any damage arising from excavation works.

However, residents now claim that the developer has not fulfilled the agreed undertakings, prompting concerns that have been escalated to the National Construction Authority (NCA) and the Nairobi County Government.

Muhoro wa Njogu, a representative of the affected neighbours, expressed disappointment over what he termed a breach of trust.
“The developer put their commitments in writing and assured us that a 200mm concrete strip would be cast before any construction, that a temporary hoarding would be erected, and that CCTV surveillance and a dedicated watchman would be provided. None of these measures have been adequately implemented as agreed,” said Muhoro wa Njogu.

He further alleged that excavation works proceeded without sufficient protective measures, raising fears over the safety of adjacent homes and residents.
“We engaged them in good faith and welcomed their assurances. Unfortunately, the reality on the ground does not reflect what was promised in the letter. The safety of our families and the structural integrity of our homes cannot be compromised,” he added.

Shadow of South C Building Collapse Still Looms

The controversy comes against the backdrop of a fatal building collapse in South C earlier this year, which has renewed nationwide scrutiny on construction safety and regulatory enforcement.
In the early hours of January 2, 2026, a multi-storey building under construction on Muhoho Avenue in South C collapsed in what authorities described as a pancake-type structural failure. Multi-agency rescue teams, including the Kenya Red Cross and the National Disaster Management Unit, responded to the scene as emergency operations continued. 

Government investigations found that the structure exceeded the originally approved number of floors, with regulators warning that deviations from approved plans and weak oversight likely contributed to the disaster.

The tragedy left multiple people feared trapped in the rubble, triggered calls from Members of Parliament for immediate suspension of construction activities in parts of Nairobi until thorough safety audits are carried out, and sparked demands for accountability from both the developer and county officials. 

Industry experts have since warned that the South C collapse exposed systemic failures in enforcement of building standards, with only a small percentage of Nairobi structures considered safe for occupation in a recent sample.
In the April 2025 letter, the developer had also undertaken to carry out all necessary repairs at no cost to affected parties if structural damage occurred as a direct result of excavation activities, and to compensate for any accidents involving family members or damage to property.
Residents now say that without full implementation of the promised safeguards, the risk to neighbouring properties remains significant.

“Regulatory authorities must ensure compliance. Written commitments must mean something. We are calling upon the NCA and the County Government to intervene and enforce adherence to safety standards,” Muhoro wa Njogu stated.

Efforts to reach the developer for comment were not immediately successful.
The matter has renewed debate over compliance and enforcement of safety regulations in rapidly developing residential areas, where excavation and high-rise construction projects increasingly border established homes. Residents are urging authorities to conduct inspections and ensure that developers strictly adhere to approved safety measures to prevent avoidable damage and disputes.

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