Workers Trapped as Building Partially Collapses in Westlands, Nairobi

A 22-storey building under construction in Westlands, Nairobi, partially collapsed on Wednesday, March 18, leaving workers trapped.

In a statement at around 11 pm, the Kenya Red Cross said rescue teams are currently on site conducting search and rescue operations to locate and evacuate those caught in the debris.

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

In a subsequent update at around 12:42 am. Kenya Red Cross said two workers out of the four who were trapped have been rescued.

However, the other two remain trapped, and rescue efforts are going to save them.

The Agency said it has not confirmed whether the remaining two are dead or alive.

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“Out of four workers involved, two escaped unhurt. Two remain trapped. Rescue efforts are ongoing, with the status of those trapped yet to be confirmed,” Kenya Red Cross added.

Another Building Collapse Reported in Kericho

Meanwhile, a similar incident was reported in Kericho County on the same day, raising further concerns over construction safety across the country.

According to the Kenya Red Cross, a building collapsed in the Kaptebeswet Bypass area, leaving several people feared trapped under the debris as rescue operations were immediately launched.

In an initial update shared on Wednesday, March 18, response teams confirmed that at least four individuals had been successfully rescued from the site.

In a subsequent update, the agency reported that the number of those rescued had risen significantly to 22.

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Of those rescued, 17 sustained minor injuries and were treated at the scene, while four others were reported to be in critical condition and required urgent medical attention.

Multiple emergency response teams were deployed to the area, including officers from the Kenya Police Service, the County Fire Brigade, three county ambulances, and officials from the National Government Administrative Officers (NGAO).

Safety Concerns Raised

The back-to-back incidents in Westlands and Kericho have sparked fresh concerns over building safety standards and enforcement, particularly for structures under construction, as rescue teams continue working to save those still trapped beneath the rubble

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With Guidance from Kenya Red Cross Personnel a bulldozer is guided to dig out rubbles of the Shauri Moyo Building as Rescue Operations Continue. PHOTO/ KRC