Kenyan Engineers Call for Stronger Building Rules After Eastleigh Collapse

By John Toris 

The Association of Consulting Engineers of Kenya (ACEK) has expressed deep shock and sadness over the collapse of a multi-storey building under construction in Eastleigh, Nairobi. Addressing members of the press this afternoon in Nairobi, ACEK President Eng. Gabriel W. Jabong' sent condolences to the affected families, businesses, workers and the Eastleigh community. He said, "Our foremost thoughts are with those who remain unaccounted for." He also welcomed reports that rescue teams had made contact with some of the missing persons and prayed for their safe recovery.
PHOTO: President Association of Consulting Engineers of Kenya Eng. Gabriel Jabong'o addressing the press today in Nairobi

Jabong' commended the emergency responders, including the Kenya Red Cross, National Police Service, Kenya Defence Forces, Nairobi City County and the National Youth Service, for their tireless work in difficult conditions. He said the priority must be saving lives, continuing rescue operations and supporting affected families.

On the cause of the collapse, ACEK said it would be wrong to speculate before investigations are complete. However, the association noted that building collapses worldwide are often linked to structural design deficiencies, poor workmanship, substandard materials, deviation from approved drawings, inadequate supervision, overloading, weak foundations, unauthorized alterations and weak enforcement of building regulations. ACEK stressed that only a detailed forensic engineering investigation can establish the actual cause in this case.

The association recommended strict enforcement of building codes, stronger oversight by county authorities, mandatory use of qualified and licensed professionals, more site inspections, greater accountability for developers and contractors, and adoption of digital monitoring systems. It also called for improved public awareness about the dangers of unauthorized developments.
ACEK emphasized that quality infrastructure depends on competent professionals designing, reviewing and supervising projects. Jabong' said the cost of professional design and supervision is small compared to the devastating human, social and economic losses caused by building failures.

On responsibility, ACEK said no person or organization should be blamed before investigations end. It noted that liability could later extend to developers, contractors, design consultants, site supervisors, regulatory authorities or any party that acted outside the law. The association urged developers to put public safety first and offered to support authorities in establishing the facts and preventing similar tragedies.

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