Abyan Consulting Limited has rejected claims of regulatory approval lapses following the deadly collapse at a development site in Nairobi’s South C area, saying the project had secured all required clearances before construction began.
In a statement issued on Monday, January 5, 2025, the firm said the development was approved by Nairobi City County, the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), the National Construction Authority (NCA), and other relevant agencies.
It added that the project was supervised by licensed architects and engineers throughout its implementation.
The company expressed condolences to families affected by the incident, saying it was deeply saddened by the loss and suffering caused by the tragedy.
“We will continue to keep the families affected in our thoughts and prayers as we walk through this difficult time together,” the statement said.
Abyan Consulting also commended multi-agency rescue teams, first responders, medical personnel, volunteers, and members of the public for their swift response during rescue and recovery operations.
Addressing reports circulating in the media and on social platforms, the firm said it had noted various reports and doctored document that are not factual, which it said had misled the public regarding the project’s approval and compliance status.
“For the record, Abyan Consulting Limited is the company that built the project,” the statement said, adding that the development underwent all mandatory regulatory processes before construction commenced.
According to the firm, an application for physical and land use planning approval was submitted to Nairobi City County on October 18, 2023, and approval was granted on December 19, 2023.
It said a subsequent application seeking approval for three additional floors was lodged on January 31, 2025, and approved on February 13, 2025.
Abyan Consulting further stated that it received a Certificate of Compliance and Project Registration from the NCA on November 8, 2023, and an Environmental Impact Assessment licence from NEMA on February 16, 2024.
“Upon receipt of the above approvals and licences, the project commenced in March 2024,” the company said, noting that the site was “at all times supervised by licensed architects and engineers.”
The firm added that county and national regulatory agencies carried out routine inspections during the project’s lifespan and that no stop orders were issued by Nairobi City County or any other regulator.
On investigations into the collapse, Abyan Consulting said it was cooperating fully with authorities to establish the cause of what it described as a “pancake-style collapse.”
“We are engaging and will continue to engage with Nairobi City County, the relevant national regulators, and investigative authorities, including the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI),” the statement said.
