The government has formally called off active search, rescue and recovery operations at the South C building collapse site after the successful recovery of both suspected victims from the collapsed 14-storey structure, reopening surrounding roads and allowing businesses to resume normal operations.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Incident Commander Duncan Onyango Ochieng confirmed that “the search, rescue and recovery operation has been concluded, following the successful recovery of two victims from the collapsed 14-storey building.”
He said the operation was carried out with “professionalism, care, and strict adherence to safety and due consideration of the affected families.”
Ochieng began by conveying “our deepest sympathies and heartfelt condolences to the families affected by this tragic incident,” noting that from the first day, the safety, dignity and recovery of victims remained the highest priority.
He acknowledged the “pain and uncertainty endured by the families” and said the response was guided by a commitment to bring closure and uphold dignity.
With the conclusion of the operation, authorities have restored access in the area.
“Key access roads that were closed to facilitate the Search, Rescue and Recovery operations have now been reopened, and normal traffic flow has been restored,” the statement said.
Businesses within the South C Shopping Centre and the surrounding neighbourhood have also resumed operations, marking what officials described as “an important step towards restoration of normalcy for the South C community.”
The incident site has now been formally handed over to the County Commissioner, Nairobi South Borough, working together with the County Security Committee and other relevant agencies.
According to the statement, the handover will facilitate “further investigations, site management, and any subsequent administrative or legal processes, in line with the Laws of Kenya.”
Ochieng announced that the active phase of the response is now closed.
“The Active Search and Recovery Operations, which I was privileged to lead as the Incident Commander, are hereby formally closed,” he said, adding that as Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) teams and equipment are demobilised, further processes will be coordinated by the county administration.
He praised the strong multi-agency coordination that made the operation possible, thanking USAR teams, heavy equipment operators, National Disaster Management Unit personnel and technical partners who worked “tirelessly under challenging conditions.”
Appreciation was also extended to the South C community and the general public for their patience and cooperation, as well as to the media for “responsible, accurate, and timely coverage” that helped counter misinformation.
“As we transition from response to recovery and investigation, we remain committed to accountability, transparency, and continued collaboration,” Ochieng said.
