This archive report was first published on 6 December 2019.
On December 6, 2019, a devastating six-storey building collapse occurred at Tassia estate in Embakasi, Nairobi County, resulting in the loss of four lives and the rescue of 29 individuals.
Nairobi Regional Commissioner Wilson Njenga provided an update on the situation, stating that the 29 rescued people were taken to Mama Lucy and Kenyatta hospitals. He expressed concerns that several people remained trapped under the debris.
Personnel from various organizations, including the Kenya Red Cross Society, St John Ambulance, Nairobi County's fire department, Kenya Police, and the Kenya Defence Forces' Disaster Response Unit, were present at the scene.
According to the Red Cross, 22 families resided in the building, while Public Works Principal Secretary Gordon Kihalangwa stated that the block consisted of 46 houses. The owner of the building, Mama Kanyoni, was expected to provide tenancy records but was nowhere to be found.
Residents reported that the ground floor collapsed, causing the other floors to follow. The cause of the tragedy was not immediately clear, but residents suspected that the building's poor construction and the heavy rainfall may have contributed to the disaster.
Resident Michael Munyoki, who had leased a top-floor room for his business, was away when the building collapsed. He recalled receiving a call from a neighbor informing him of the incident.
Some residents claimed to have warned the owner about a possible collapse, but their concerns were ignored. Others stated that there were no signs of weakness in the building, leaving many unprepared for the tragedy.
The collapse resulted in a massive rescue operation, with personnel working tirelessly to reach those trapped under the debris. However, the poor drainage and lack of access roads hindered operations, making it challenging for rescuers to reach the victims.
Public Works Principal Secretary Gordon Kihalangwa expressed frustration with the large number of onlookers, stating that they slowed down the rescue efforts and some even looted. Nairobi Regional Commissioner Wilson Njenga urged the onlookers to give the rescuers space to work.
Embakasi East member of Parliament Babu Owino visited the scene to console the victims and their families.
