Fear as Cracks Emerge in Nairobi CBD Buildings Amid Heavy Rains
Pressure is mounting on the Nairobi City County Assembly to urgently order inspections and investigations into the integrity of ageing structures, particularly those whose basements have been inundated by floodwaters.
Alarm Raised by Local Leaders
Kiamaiko Ward Member of County Assembly Joseph Ndung’u sounded the alarm after inspecting a building at the intersection of Mfangano Street and Sheikh Karume Street, where large cracks have reportedly appeared.
“The cracks raise serious concerns about the structural integrity of the building and the safety of people who operate inside and around the premises,” Ndung’u warned.
He has formally requested the Assembly’s Sectoral Committee on Lands, Planning, and Housing to investigate whether county authorities were aware of the deterioration and whether the building holds valid approvals and compliance documentation.
Questions Over Compliance
The MCA is also seeking clarification on whether the structure possesses essential documents such as a Certificate of Occupation and whether it meets current building safety standards.
“We need to establish if due process was followed and what measures are in place to prevent disasters,” he said.
Impact of Heavy Rains
The ongoing rainfall has worsened the situation, with flooding reported in multiple parts of the capital. Experts say prolonged water exposure can weaken foundations, particularly in older buildings that may already suffer from poor maintenance or outdated construction methods.
Several commercial properties in the CBD have reportedly experienced water intrusion into basements, which often house electrical systems, storage areas, and parking facilities.
Urban planners warn that unchecked water damage could accelerate structural degradation, potentially triggering partial collapses.
Experts’ Dire Warning
Earlier this year, professional bodies including the Institution of Engineers of Kenya, the Architectural Association of Kenya, and the Kenya Institute of Planners issued a stark assessment of Nairobi’s built environment.
Experts cautioned that even a minor seismic tremor lasting just seconds could trigger widespread collapses across the capital.
Series of Recent Tragedies
Public anxiety has been heightened by a string of fatal incidents in recent months.
On January 2, a 16-storey building in South C collapsed, followed days later by another structural failure in Karen. In February, a building on Kirinyaga Road partially collapsed, injuring six workers.
Just two days earlier, four people died in Shauri Moyo after a condemned five-storey building collapsed while they were scavenging for materials.
Calls for Urgent Action
Urban safety advocates argue that enforcement gaps, corruption in approvals, and inadequate supervision during construction have contributed to the crisis.
County officials are now under pressure to act swiftly to prevent further loss of life.
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Fear as Cracks Emerge in Nairobi CBD Buildings Amid Heavy Rains
