The National Construction Authority (NCA) has issued an update on the construction site that collapsed in Karen, Nairobi, on Saturday, January 10, 2026, in yet another incident raising alarm over unsafe and unregulated building works in the city.

In a press statement issued on Sunday, January 11, 2026, the authority confirmed that the collapse claimed the lives of two workers, left two others critically injured, and caused minor injuries to seven additional individuals.

All the injured were rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment, while emergency response teams worked into the evening to complete rescue operations.

Cause of the Karen building collapse

Preliminary findings by the Authority indicate that the accident occurred during concrete casting works at the carport section of a proposed one-storey residential house.

Investigators suspect that the formwork system failed and collapsed under the weight of freshly poured concrete, triggering the deadly incident.

“The National Construction Authority (referred to as the “Authority”) reports that a construction incident occurred on Saturday, 10th January 2025, at approximately 16:30 p.m. at a site located on Plot Number 12882/197, Ngong View Lane, Karen Ward, within Lang’ata Sub-County, Nairobi County. The incident resulted in two (2) unfortunate fatalities, two (2) critically injured persons, and seven (7) others with minor injuries. All injured persons were promptly evacuated to a nearby hospital for medical attention,” NCA stated.

“The project is a proposed one (1) storey residential development that was under construction at the time of the incident. The occurrence took place during concrete casting works at the carport area of the structure. Preliminary assessments indicate a suspected failure of the formwork system, which collapsed under the load of fresh concrete. The registered owner of the plot is indicated as Moses Nyakiongora.”

Construction site suspended

In a worrying revelation, the Authority confirmed that the construction project was not registered with the NCA, a mandatory legal requirement for all developments. As a result, the site has been formally suspended through Suspension Order No. 165431 dated January 10, 2026, and remains sealed off.

“The construction project was not registered with the Authority and remains suspended vide Suspension Order No. 165431 dated 10th January 2026,” the statement read.

“The Authority, in collaboration with emergency response teams, was on site shortly after the incident occurred. Rescue operations were concluded last evening, and the area remains secured and cordoned off. Relevant enforcement agencies are currently conducting investigations into the incident, and a comprehensive report will be issued upon conclusion of the same.”

The incident adds to a growing list of construction-related disasters in Nairobi, coming barely weeks after the collapse of a 16-storey building in South C, which reignited public outrage over weak enforcement, rogue contractors, and disregard for safety regulations in the construction sector.