Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o has confirmed that no lives were lost after a four-storey building under construction collapsed in Tom Mboya Estate on Monday night, May 11, 2026.

In a statement on his X account on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, Nyong’o confirmed the incident and expressed relief that all individuals were safely accounted for after the structural failure.

“We are grateful that no lives were lost in the incident of a collapsed four-storey building under construction in Tom Mboya Estate last night. Together with Deputy Governor Dr Mathew Owili, Kisumu City Manager Abala Wanga, and senior officials from the National Construction Authority, we briefed the media on the status of the incident and the coordinated emergency response efforts undertaken since last evening,” Nyong’o stated.

Safety measures

According to the governor, emergency response teams drawn from the county government, city management, and medical services acted quickly to contain the situation, preventing further risk to nearby residents and structures.

Preliminary findings suggest the collapse may have been linked to possible structural defects, raising concerns over compliance with building standards in the rapidly growing city.

Governor Nyong’o warned that the county will take firm action against unsafe construction practices.

“As the County Government of Kisumu, we will not tolerate unsafe construction practices. I have directed intensified inspections across all construction sites and isolated cases of compromise or negligence by any County staff will be addressed appropriately. We cannot afford to compromise the lives and safety of our people out of greed or self-interest,” Nyong’o stated.

The incident

The building came down at around 8:00 p.m., sending residents fleeing for safety.

According to the County Government of Kisumu, emergency teams responded within minutes after a distress call was received at the Emergency Operations Centre at exactly 8:06 pm.

Fire engines, ambulances from Kisumu County Referral Hospital, Avenue Hospital and Lisa Hospital, alongside personnel from the Kenya Red Cross, were dispatched to the scene as rescue efforts commenced.

Inspectorate officers, officials from the City Planning Department and rescue teams joined the operation, which stretched through the night amid fears that more people could have been trapped beneath the debris.