Eastleigh Building Collapse: Engineers Call for Probe, Warn Against Speculation

Story by Maurice Momanyi
The Association of Consulting Engineers of Kenya (ACEK) has called for a thorough forensic investigation into the collapse of a multi-storey building under construction in Eastleigh, Nairobi, warning against speculation over the cause of the disaster before investigations are completed.
In a press statement issued on Saturday, ACEK President Eng. Gabriel W. Jabong’o said the association was deeply saddened by the incident and urged authorities to prioritise rescue operations and the safety of those affected.
The association said rescue teams had established contact with some of the missing persons, with efforts continuing to reach them.
“Our foremost thoughts are with those who remain unaccounted for,” Jabong’o said, expressing hope that the ongoing rescue operations would lead to their swift and safe recovery.
He commended emergency responders, including the Kenya Red Cross, National Police Service, Kenya Defence Forces, Nairobi City County and the National Youth Service, for their efforts under challenging conditions.
Engineers list possible causes
ACEK cautioned that it would be premature to attribute the collapse to any particular factor before a detailed investigation establishes what happened.
However, the association identified several factors commonly associated with building collapses, including structural design deficiencies, poor workmanship, substandard construction materials and deviations from approved building plans.
Other possible causes include inadequate site supervision, overloading of structural elements, weak foundations, unauthorised alterations and failure to comply with building regulations.
The engineers also pointed to inadequate inspection and enforcement mechanisms as potential contributors to structural failures.
“Only a detailed forensic engineering investigation can determine the actual cause in this particular case,” the statement said.
Call for stronger construction oversight
The association urged the government, county authorities and regulatory agencies to strengthen oversight of construction projects to prevent similar incidents.
Its recommendations include stricter enforcement of building codes, increased site inspections, mandatory engagement of qualified and licensed professionals throughout the construction process, and stronger accountability for developers, contractors, consultants and supervisors.
ACEK also called for the adoption of digital construction monitoring and compliance systems, alongside greater public awareness of the dangers posed by unauthorised developments.
The association further encouraged developers, investors and project owners to engage registered consulting engineers from the earliest stages of project planning through design, construction supervision and completion.
It said proper engineering design, independent supervision, adherence to approved specifications and continuous quality control were essential safeguards against structural failure.
Who could be held responsible?
ACEK said no individual or organisation should be blamed before investigations are concluded and the facts established.
Depending on the findings, potential responsibility could extend to the developer or project owner, contractor, design consultants where negligence is established, site supervision personnel, or regulatory authorities if approval or enforcement failures are proven.
Other parties found to have acted outside the law or approved construction standards could also face accountability.
“Accountability must be based on evidence and due process, not speculation,” the association said.
Jabong’o emphasised that the cost of professional engineering design and supervision was insignificant compared with the potential human, social and economic consequences of a building collapse.
He said ACEK was ready to support relevant authorities, professional bodies and investigative agencies in establishing the facts and identifying measures to prevent similar tragedies.
The association urged developers to prioritise construction quality, regulatory compliance and professional oversight, warning that public safety should never be compromised in pursuit of lower costs or faster project completion.
It also called on Kenyans to continue supporting rescue teams and affected families as efforts to locate missing persons continued.