Gov’t Finally Breaks Silence On Nairobi’s South C Building Collapse
The government has warned that if investigations reveal criminal responsibility for the collapsed South C building in Nairobi, the architect’s registration may be revoked.
Speaking at the scene on Monday, January 5, Lands and Housing Cabinet Secretary Alice Wahome stated that the ministry would not hesitate to take harsh action against professionals proven to have broken the law, including removing them from the professional register.
Wahome discovered that, despite the developer’s license to construct the building, the project significantly breached permitted designs, resulting in the fatal collapse.
Lands and housing CS Alice Wahome visits South C apartment collapse scene#AliceWahome#PMTVupdates#PMTVnews
— PMTV_KE (@Pmtv_ke) January 5, 2026
Subscribe to our Youtube channel; https://t.co/tnFFySKpF2
Follow our Telegram page; https://t.co/fYsgpfuPsV pic.twitter.com/l4LPphSVwG
According to the CS, the competent authorities within her ministry cleared the project for only 12 storeys.
However, developers unlawfully constructed four additional levels, bringing the structure to 16 stories.
She indicated that quality assurance inspections were performed as needed throughout construction, specifying specific dates for each inspection.
Wahome stated that examinations revealed that work had only reached the third story.
“At the time of the incident, the project was non-compliant on four additional floors that were never approved. That is the beginning of the problem, and our investigations will start from that point,” Wahome stated.
The CS warned that professionals involved in illegal building, such as architects, contractors, and inspectors, would face individual accountability.
She also stated that her ministry was collaborating closely with other relevant authorities and professional bodies in a multi-sectoral team to determine how the violations occurred and who was accountable.
Trapped under the rubble:
— Citizen TV Kenya (@citizentvkenya) January 3, 2026
Two unaccounted for after South C building collapse. Families hold onto hope as rescue teams search through rubble. Wario urges government to deploy additional rescue equipment. Roba says families have been camping at the site since #CitizenWeekend pic.twitter.com/91hz4kzGI4
Her statements came as Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja said that the county government had repeatedly flagged the structure as non-compliant.
However, developers ignored enforcement notifications and continued construction.
ALSO READ:
- KNEC Reveals Dates To Release 2025 KCSE Results
- Ruto Launches Ksh.235M NYOTA In Rift Valley, Reveals Ksh.25K Disbursement Date
- “Let Our Children Be!” – Ruto Tells Gachagua After Grade 10 Placements Comments
- NAIROBI: KWS Captures Escaped Lionesses In Rongai
- “UDA Doing Predatory Acts Against ODM!” – Senior Party Official Claims
Sakaja called for county governments to be granted prosecutorial powers to directly sue developers who violate construction laws.
According to the statement by Nairobi County Government, the building collapse in South C was a pancake collapse. A pancake collapse in a building happens when floors fall vertically, one on top of another, like a stack of pancakes, often triggered by an earthquake or explosion… pic.twitter.com/PQXdmbVOhA
— Ahmed Mohamed ((ASMALi)) (@Asmali77) January 2, 2026
He noted that such authority currently lies with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP).
The building collapsed on Friday, January 2, killing two people. One body has been recovered, while rescue teams continue searching for another victim trapped in the building.
“The DPP has directed the IGP to record statements from all relevant persons, including the developer and the contractor, and the persons responsible for the relevant building and construction approvals, inspections, and enforcement, and forward the resultant file for perusal and action within 7 days from the date hereof,” DPP stated in a statement on Sunday, January 4.
Gov’t Finally Breaks Silence On Nairobi’s South C Building Collapse
