The Kenyan government has intensified rescue operations following the collapse of a 14-storey building at South C Shopping Centre, with authorities reporting two people suspected to be trapped inside and believed to possibly still be alive.
Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Kiringa Ruku, through a statement on Friday, January 3, 2026, confirmed that multi-agency teams, including the National Disaster Management Unit (NDMU), National Police Service, and Kenya Defence Forces Disaster Response Battalion, are working tirelessly around the clock using specialized urban search and rescue techniques.
“The incident management team is working day and night, deploying specialized skills, equipment, and proven urban search and rescue techniques, while taking full advantage of the golden rescue window associated with building collapse incidents,” CS Ruku said, assuring the public that “the Government is sparing no effort, no resources, and no expertise in this operation.”
The collapsed structure, which included a basement parking area, experienced a complete pancake-type failure. At this stage, the cause of the collapse has not yet been established, and investigations have been launched by a multi-sectoral team under the Multi-Sectoral Agencies Coordinating Committee (MSACC).
The team includes officials from the National Construction Authority (NCA), National Building Inspectorate (NBI), Engineers Board of Kenya (EBK), Board of Registration of Architects and Quantity Surveyors (BORAQ), National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA), Nairobi City County Government, and other relevant agencies.
“Once concluded, any person or group of people found culpable will be held fully accountable in accordance with the laws of Kenya,” the Cabinet Secretary emphasized.
CS Ruku also warned that the structural integrity of the adjacent building has not yet been confirmed. “A multi-agency technical team is conducting detailed assessments to arrive at an evidence-based conclusion.
Until official guidance is issued, we urge extreme caution. Members of the public are advised to keep off the incident precincts, unless access is absolutely unavoidable,” he said.
The government has commended the dedication and professionalism of all responders, including NDMU volunteers, St John Ambulance, Kenya Red Cross Society, National Youth Service, November Response Team, and Kenya Power and Lighting Company, for their tireless efforts under extremely hazardous conditions.
Authorities have also cautioned the public against misinformation and individuals posing as rescuers.
Ruku said official updates on the rescue and recovery operation will be issued daily at 0900 and 1600 hours until all objectives are achieved.
“The Government remains fully present, fully committed, and firmly at the frontline of this response. The safety of our people, the rescue or recovery of the suspected victims, and accountability for this incident remain our highest priorities,” he added.
