Independent panel to be appointed to probe collapsed South C building
By Kenneth Mwenda, January 12, 2026The Engineers Board of Kenya (EBK) has announced plans to appoint an independent panel of expert engineers to investigate the collapse of a multi-storey building in Nairobi’s South C area, as pressure mounts on authorities to explain how the project was allowed to proceed.
The building, located on Plot No. L.R. 209/5909/10, also known as Nairobi Block 68/1306, collapsed in the early hours of 2 January 2026. The structure, described as a 16-storey development, came down suddenly, trapping people under debris and triggering a major rescue operation.
Emergency teams from Nairobi City County, the Kenya Defence Forces, the National Youth Service, the Nairobi Fire Brigade and the Kenya Red Cross worked at the site for days. By 7 January, rescuers had recovered two bodies from the rubble. Lands Cabinet Secretary Alice Wahome confirmed that a third person who had been trapped in the building managed to escape without injury.
EBK officers visited the site on January 5 and formally launched investigations. In a statement dated January 8 and signed by Registrar and Chief Executive Officer Eng. Margaret Ogai, the Board said it had contacted the two engineers linked to the project to establish their roles in the design and construction supervision.
After these preliminary steps, EBK said it would appoint an independent panel of expert engineers next week. The panel will determine the technical cause of the collapse and assess whether the project complied fully with the Engineers Act, 2011. The findings will guide further action, including possible disciplinary measures.
“We are in contact with the two engineers involved to establish their specific roles in the design and construction supervision of the project with a view to establishing the next course of action,” the statement reads.
“Following these preliminary investigations, the Board will also appoint an independent panel of expert engineers next week to determine the technical cause of the collapse; and ensure full compliance with the Engineers Act, 2011.”
The Board stressed that projects of this size involve several stakeholders with defined responsibilities. Contractors must prove technical competence and follow approved designs. County governments must provide effective oversight and enforce standards. Financial institutions must also ensure value for money. EBK said failure by any one party can place lives at risk.
County approvals under fire
The South C collapse has drawn sharp criticism of Nairobi County’s approval processes. CS Wahome blamed the county government for approving four additional floors, which she said were illegal and contributed to the collapse.
She stated that the county “put the last nail on the coffin” by allowing the extra floors and promised to name officials involved once the National Construction Authority (NCA) releases its report.
Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku said authorities had secured the site to allow investigators to complete their work. He added that roads blocked by debris were being reopened, but the core area would remain restricted.
The developer, Abyan Consulting Limited, has maintained that the project received approvals from both county and national agencies before construction began. Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has since called for prosecution powers to be returned to county governments to address illegal and substandard buildings more effectively.
EBK reiterated its commitment to public safety and professional accountability. The Board said it would continue working with other regulators and industry players to prevent similar incidents and restore confidence in the construction sector.
The collapse has once again highlighted the cost of weak oversight. Two lives were lost, families were left grieving, and serious questions remain about how such a project progressed despite earlier enforcement notices. As investigations continue, the focus now turns to whether accountability will follow.