At least two people were killed, and nine others were injured following a construction accident at a residential building site in Karen, Nairobi County, the National Construction Authority (NCA) has confirmed.
In a statement on January 11, the Authority said the incident occurred on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at around 4.30 p.m. on Plot Number 12882/197 along Ngong View Lane, within Lang’ata Sub-County.
“The incident resulted in two (2) unfortunate fatalities, two (2) critically injured persons, and seven (7) others with minor injuries,” the Executive Director and Registrar of Contractors at the National Construction Authority, Eng. Maurice Akech said.
All the injured were evacuated to a nearby hospital for medical attention.
According to the Authority, the project involved a proposed one-storey residential development that was under construction at the time of the accident.
Preliminary findings indicate that the collapse occurred during concrete casting works at the carport area of the structure.
“Preliminary assessments indicate a suspected failure of the formwork system, which collapsed under the load of fresh concrete,” the statement said.
The NCA further disclosed that the construction project was not registered with the Authority and has since been suspended.
“The construction project was not registered with the Authority and remains suspended vide Suspension Order No. 165431 dated 10th January 2026,” the statement added.
The registered owner of the plot was identified as Moses Nyakiongora.
Following the incident, the Authority said it worked closely with emergency response teams to manage the situation.
Rescue operations were concluded later the same evening, and the site has since been secured.
“The Authority, in collaboration with emergency response teams, was on site shortly after the incident occurred. Rescue operations were concluded last evening, and the area remains secured and cordoned off,” the NCA said.
Investigations into the cause of the collapse are ongoing, with relevant enforcement agencies involved.
The NCA said a comprehensive report would be released once the investigations are concluded.
“Relevant enforcement agencies are currently conducting investigations into the incident, and a comprehensive report will be issued upon conclusion of the same,” the Authority said.
In an earlier communication, the Nairobi County Executive Committee Member for Built Environment and Urban Planning Patrick Mbogo, said poor workmanship and inadequate formwork contributed to the collapse.
“Initial findings show the use of sub-standard materials, where timber gum tree supports were used instead of appropriate steel props for the double-volume slab,” Mbogo said.
