A major building collapse in Nairobi’s Westlands area has left at least two workers trapped, with rescue operations ongoing, the Kenya Red Cross has confirmed.

The incident occurred late Wednesday night, March 18, 18,2026, at a construction site along School Lane, near the Bank of Africa, where a 22-storey building under construction partially gave way.

According to the Kenya Red Cross, four workers were present at the site at the time of the collapse.

“Two of them escaped unhurt, while two remain trapped beneath the rubble as rescue efforts continue,” the organisation wrote on X on Thursday, March 19, 2026.

Emergency responders and Red Cross personnel rushed to the scene following reports of the collapse.

Authorities have since secured the area to facilitate safe search and rescue operations.

“A 22-storey building under construction in Westlands has partially collapsed, leaving workers trapped. Response teams remain on site conducting search and rescue operations,” the organisation said in an earlier update.

The exact condition of the trapped workers has not yet been confirmed. Rescue teams continue to work tirelessly, using specialised equipment to access the rubble and locate those still inside.

The incident adds to a growing list of building collapses in Nairobi, raising concerns about construction safety standards and enforcement.

Over the past few months, several buildings under construction have collapsed across the city, prompting scrutiny from regulatory authorities.

Experts say that rapid urban development, poor adherence to building codes, and inadequate inspections contribute significantly to such disasters.

The Westlands collapse comes less than a day after a similar tragedy in Kericho County, where at least one person died, and several others were injured following a building failure in the Kaptebeswet area, Kipchebor Ward. Rescue teams from the county government were deployed to manage the emergency.

The back-to-back incidents call the urgent need for stringent oversight of construction projects nationwide.

Authorities have urged residents and construction companies to comply with safety regulations to prevent further loss of life.

“Authorities have since secured the area as search and rescue efforts continue, with more updates expected as the operation progresses,” the Kenya Red Cross noted.

The public is advised to avoid the area as emergency personnel conduct delicate rescue operations. Citizens are also encouraged to report unsafe construction practices to local authorities to prevent similar incidents.

As rescue operations continue in Westlands, the nation awaits news on the condition of the two trapped workers.

Meanwhile, safety experts stress the importance of regular audits, proper use of quality construction materials, and strict adherence to building codes to avert future tragedies.

The Kenya Red Cross and other emergency services remain on high alert, coordinating closely with Nairobi city officials to manage the aftermath and ensure the trapped workers receive urgent assistance.