This archive report was first published on 10 June 2020.
On Tuesday evening, a three-storey building in Kericho County collapsed, trapping several people inside. The incident occurred in the midst of a rainy season, which may have contributed to the building's instability.
According to eyewitnesses, the building had shown signs of cracks on Sunday, with tenants noticing the damage. However, it was not until Tuesday evening that the building finally collapsed, burying several people under the rubble.
County Police Commander Silas Gichunge and Kenya Red Cross Society coordinator Sifia Tuwei led the rescue efforts, retrieving the body of a six-year-old child in the early hours of Wednesday morning. Two other individuals were admitted to Kericho County Referral hospital and are reported to be in stable condition.
Speaking to the press, Kericho Municipality Municipal Manager Joseph Rotich emphasized the importance of tenants being proactive in ensuring their safety. He noted that had the tenants been more vigilant, they would have moved out of the building in good time.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for regular building inspections and maintenance to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future.
