Fears of trapped victims after Kibera building collapse
By Kenneth Mwenda, April 8, 2026A building collapsed in the Highrise area of Kibera on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, sparking fears that several people could be trapped under the debris.
The Kenya Red Cross confirmed the incident in a statement shared on its official X account on Wednesday afternoon. The organisation said emergency teams had already moved to the scene and started search and rescue operations.
“A building collapse has been reported in the Highrise area of Kibera,” the Kenya Red Cross said.
“Emergency response teams are currently on site conducting search and rescue operations. An unconfirmed number of individuals are feared trapped beneath the debris.”
Witnesses in the area said the building came down suddenly, sending dust and rubble across nearby structures. Some residents rushed to the site in an attempt to help before emergency teams arrived.
Rescue workers moved quickly to secure the area and begin clearing the debris. They used specialised equipment as they searched for survivors. Authorities have not confirmed how many people were inside the building at the time of the collapse.
Police officers and local officials also arrived to control crowds and allow rescue teams to work without disruption. Residents gathered around the site as the operation continued, with many expressing concern for those feared trapped.
The cause of the collapse remains unclear. Authorities are expected to launch investigations once rescue efforts are complete.
Growing list of building collapses
The incident adds to a growing list of building collapses reported in Kenya in recent months. In March, a high-rise building under construction in Westlands partially collapsed, leaving workers trapped. The Kenya Red Cross said at the time that rescue teams worked through the night to reach those buried under the rubble.
Earlier in January, another building collapsed in South C, Nairobi, raising fresh concerns about compliance and safety standards in the construction sector. Investigations later showed that the project did not meet regulatory requirements.
Experts have often pointed to weak enforcement, poor construction practices and rapid urban development as key factors behind such incidents.
Authorities have repeatedly urged developers to follow building regulations and ensure proper inspections at every stage of construction.