The Architectural Association of Kenya (AAK) has cited widespread non-compliance, weak professional practice, and regulatory failures following the collapse of a 14-storey building at the Kiganjo–Muhoho Avenue junction in South C, Nairobi.
In a statement issued under its Mulika Mjengo platform, AAK president George Ndege said the incident exposed persistent gaps in development control and enforcement that must be urgently addressed.
“It is unfortunate that such an avoidable incident has occurred,” AAK said, noting that preliminary findings point to failures across approvals, professional practice, and regulatory oversight.
According to AAK, the project was registered by the National Construction Authority (NCA) before development approvals were secured from Nairobi City County Government (NCCG) and the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA).
The association further reported that additional floors were approved without evidence of structural review or inspection of ongoing works.
AAK also cited weak documentation of site supervision by the professional team, mid-project changes to consultants — including the structural and civil engineer — and ignored enforcement notices and stop orders issued by both NCA and NCCG.
“These failures highlight serious weaknesses in how projects are approved, supervised, and enforced,” the association said.
The statement identified the consultants on record as architect Gideon Chege Mwangi, engineer Peter Kimani Kireru, and quantity surveyor James Kirika Njoroge.
It further noted that engineer Daniel A. Odhiambo was later involved as the structural engineer during the construction stage.
AAK raised concern over governance and coordination arrangements on the site, stating that the architect opted for developer-led coordination with restricted site access, while the client reportedly acted as both developer and contractor.
“This raises potential conflicts that warrant investigation,” AAK said, adding that although site inspections and meetings were reported, no visit reports or minutes were produced.
In response to the collapse, AAK called for independent investigations by the Board of Registration of Architects and Quantity Surveyors (BORAQS) and the Engineers Board of Kenya (EBK), and said it supports sanctions where negligence is established.
The association outlined a series of safeguards, including mandatory engagement of registered consultants throughout design and construction, strict adherence to the JBCC Agreement and Conditions of Contract for Construction Works 2024, and enforcement of all statutory approvals before works commence.
AAK also reiterated its long-standing call for a one-stop approvals system to integrate all permitting agencies, as well as routine, standardized site inspections and public access to updated registers of approved projects.
“AAK remains committed to promoting safe, legal and sustainable practices in the built environment,” the statement said.
It urged government agencies to act decisively against illegal developments and called on the public to report suspicious construction activity through the Mulika Mjengo platform.
The second body was retrieved from the collapsed building on Wednesday, as the search and rescue operation in the collapsed building entered its sixth day.
The first victim of the tragedy, security guard Ali Adan Galgalo’s body was recovered on Sunday and was laid to rest.
