Six Injured as Building Collapses in Nairobi at OTC Construction Site

A building under construction collapsed in Nairobi's central business district early Wednesday, February 11, 2026, injuring six workers at a site close to OTC along Kirinyaga Road.

The incident occurred around 4 a.m. at the junction of Racecourse Road and Kirinyaga Road. Emergency services including Kenya Red Cross, Nairobi City County Fire Brigade, National Disaster Operations Centre teams, and police responded quickly. All workers present were accounted for and extracted.

Six construction labourers sustained injuries during the collapse. Five remain in stable condition at hospital. One worker suffered severe injuries and was admitted to intensive care. Initial reports indicate no fatalities. Rescue operations confirmed that six people had been trapped initially, but all were brought out safely. Between 12 and 18 workers were on site at the time, according to varying early counts from responders.

The structure was in the foundation or basement phase. Photos from the scene show a deep excavation pit reinforced with rebar cages for what appears to be a curved or circular foundation element, surrounded by shoring walls of concrete blocks and timber. Steel reinforcement mats cover the base, with formwork and scaffolding visible above ground level. Nearby walls carry commercial signage for spare parts suppliers, typical of the mixed commercial and light industrial character of the area.

Authorities have not yet released an official cause. Investigations are underway to determine whether structural failure resulted from inadequate shoring, poor workmanship, substandard materials, or other factors. The National Construction Authority and relevant county departments are expected to lead the probe.

This collapse adds to a string of building failures in Nairobi over recent years. Similar incidents have occurred in residential and commercial zones, often linked to rushed construction, weak supervision, or non-compliance with approved plans. Enforcement of building regulations remains inconsistent across the city despite repeated calls for stricter oversight.

The site sits in one of Nairobi's oldest and densest commercial districts, where land pressure drives vertical development on small plots. Many projects in the area involve multi-storey commercial blocks with basements for parking or storage. Excavations of this depth require careful temporary works to prevent soil collapse or adjacent structure damage.

Responders acted swiftly to stabilise the area and prevent further incidents. Debris removal and site securing continue while the investigation proceeds. Workers' identities and employing contractor have not been publicly released pending family notification and official statements.

Kenya Red Cross reported full coordination with other agencies to ensure no one remained unaccounted for. The organisation provided first aid and transport for the injured. Police cordoned off the junction to manage traffic and secure the scene.

As details emerge, the incident underscores persistent safety concerns in urban construction. Nairobi continues to see rapid building activity driven by commercial demand, but repeated failures highlight gaps in site monitoring and regulatory follow-through.