South C Building Collapse: At Least Seven Dead Including Uber, Bolt Drivers and Their Passengers

A multi-storey building under construction in the South C Shopping Centre collapsed on Friday 2, January, leaving several people dead and others with injuries.

Preliminary reports indicate that at least seven people lost their lives, including an Uber driver, two Bolt drivers, their passengers, and two security guards who were at the site when the building gave way. Rescue teams fear that more people may still be trapped under the rubble.

The building, originally approved for 12 floors under Land Reference No. 209/5909/10, had five extra floors added illegally. Sources claim that KSh 25 million in bribes was shared among county officers in the Nairobi County Physical Planning department to allow the additional construction.

Officials who may face scrutiny include:

Chief Officer, Planning
Director of Physical Planning / County Planner
Assistant Directors / Development Control Officers
County Building Inspectors<>

Structural Engineers and Architects of Record
Quantity Surveyor
Contractor / Developer / Property Owner
Langata Sub-County Enforcement Unit Commander

These officials could potentially be charged with manslaughter, criminal negligence, institutional corruption, and systemic abuse of office.

Citizens have criticized Nairobi’s building approvals, pointing fingers at Fredrick Ochanda, Patrick Analo, and Osman Khalif, alleging that they allow illegal buildings and billboards in exchange for bribes.

The collapse caused thick dust and debris to cover the area, forcing nearby shop owners and residents to evacuate. The Kenya Red Cross and a multi-agency response team were immediately deployed to manage the emergency and carry out search and rescue operations.

“Early this morning, a building under construction collapsed in the Shopping Centre area of South C, Nairobi County. A multi-agency response team is on site managing the situation,” said a statement by the Kenya Red Cross.

The tragedy has raised serious concerns about construction safety standards, particularly in busy residential and commercial areas. Just weeks ago, the NCA warned the public about unsafe buildings in Nairobi.