A multi-storey building under construction collapsed suddenly in Nairobi’s Eastleigh area on Friday, October 23, 2026, raising fears that several people may be trapped beneath the massive pile of concrete and debris.

The building, reported by different sources as having between 12 and 16 or more floors, came down at about 1 p.m. along a busy commercial street in Eastleigh, an area densely populated by traders, residents and businesses.

Eyewitnesses said workers noticed warning signs shortly before the collapse. One construction worker reported seeing cracks in a column and said workers began fleeing after they felt the structure shaking. Some workers reportedly managed to escape moments before the building came down.

The situation became particularly concerning because parts of the lower floors were reportedly already being used by businesses and tenants while construction continued above. Authorities said shops were operating on the ground floor, despite the building not having an occupation certificate.

Rescue teams rushed to the scene and began clearing the rubble in search of survivors. At least one injured woman was rescued and taken to hospital, while rescuers were also reported to have heard another person calling for help before the voice went silent.

By Friday night, Kenya’s Interior Minister said rescuers were searching for seven people reported missing. Earlier reports had not established the exact number of people who might have been trapped, with authorities still working to account for workers, traders and other occupants.

Rescue efforts were complicated by the building’s location between other high-rise structures and a lack of sufficient heavy equipment at the beginning of the operation. Excavators and other machinery were later brought in to help remove the concrete and create access points for rescuers.

Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja said the building had received construction approval but did not have an occupation certificate. He vowed that legal action would be taken against those responsible for any violations.

The exact cause of the collapse remains under investigation. However, engineers and construction experts have raised concerns about possible failures in construction supervision, materials, structural integrity and enforcement of building regulations. Reports also indicate that cracks had been noticed before the collapse.

The tragedy has once again raised questions about construction safety and building regulation enforcement in Nairobi, particularly as the city continues to experience rapid high-rise development. Kenya’s National Building Inspectorate has previously reported widespread non-compliance among buildings it audited.

For now, emergency teams remain focused on the most urgent task: searching the rubble, rescuing anyone who may still be alive and determining the full casualty toll.