Five-Storey Building Collapses in Kisii as Multi-Agency Rescue Operation Begins

A rescue operation is underway in Ugembo, Kisii County, after a five-storey building under construction collapsed, with six workers reportedly trapped under the rubble.

According to a statement dated September 8, the Kenya Red Cross said it is working alongside Kisii County response teams, the National Police Service, and Fire and Rescue Services in a multi-agency search and rescue operation.

The Agency added that County ambulance services and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Kenya are also at the scene providing emergency medical support to those affected as rescue teams continue their search for survivors.

“A five-storey building under construction collapsed in Ugembo, Kisii County.The Kenya Red Cross is currently responding alongside County response teams, @PoliceKE and Fire and Rescue Services in a multi-agency search and rescue operation for persons believed to be trapped.County ambulance services and @EMS_Kenya are also on scene providing emergency medical support,” read part of the statement .

Six Workers Feared Trapped After Five-Storey Building Collapses in Ugembo

According to Footage seen by Hivileo , people were gathered in the area as emergency responders intensified the rescue.

The rescue teams were working to locate those believed to be trapped, with medical responders stationed at the scene to assist anyone who may be rescued.

Also Read: Four County Officials Face Manslaughter Charges Over South C Building Collapse

The circumstances that led to the collapse had not been immediately established by the time of publication.

 Ugembo incident comes amid growing concerns over the safety of buildings under construction across the country, following other recent cases of structural collapses.

On July 13, 2026, a building collapsed in Jacaranda, Kilifi County, triggering a multi-agency emergency response.

According to a reportS, the Kenya Red Cross joined the Kilifi County Fire Brigade, Kenya Police Service and E-Plus Medical Services in search and rescue efforts following the incident.

As a result, one person was rescued from the rubble and taken to hospital for specialised treatment.

The emergency operation was later brought to a close, with authorities expected to investigate the circumstances surrounding the Kilifi building collapse.

Building Collapses Raise Safety Concerns in Nairobi

Elsewhere, building collapses have also been reported in Nairobi, where high demand for housing has raised concerns over developers who bypass regulations or violate building codes.

In February 2026, at least six people were injured after a building under construction collapsed at the junction of Racecourse and Kirinyaga Road in Nairobi CBD.

According to police, 12 people were rescued following the incident, which occurred in the early hours of Wednesday, February 11, near the OTC area in downtown Nairobi.

Also Read: Building Collapses at Gikomba Days After Market Fire

The Kenya Red Cross confirmed that it had dispatched rescue teams to the scene after receiving reports of the collapse.

“A building collapse has been reported near OTC along Kirinyaga Road, Nairobi County. Response teams are en route. More updates to follow,” the Kenya Red Cross reported.

The Kenya Red Cross later said all workers in the building had been accounted for, with those injured rushed to hospital for medical treatment.

The cause of the Nairobi building collapse was not immediately established, with authorities launching investigations into the incident.

Meanwhile, the repeated cases have renewed questions over construction safety, compliance with building regulations and the need for authorities to ensure that structures are safe before and during construction.

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Photo showing the aftermath of the building that collapsed in Kisii on September 8. Photo/ Courtesy