South C Building Collapse: IEK Calls for Independent Probe as CS Ruku Monitors Search for Trapped Victims

The Institution of Engineers of Kenya (IEK) has called for a thorough and independent technical investigation to determine the exact cause of the collapse of a multi-storey building in the South C area of Nairobi. In a January 3 statement released following the incident on January 2, the professional body expressed its condolences to those affected and emphasized the need for legal accountability for any professional negligence found.

Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku has remained at the site on Muhoho Avenue to oversee the ongoing multi-agency response. During a briefing on Saturday, January 3, the Cabinet Secretary confirmed that two people are currently suspected to be trapped in the rubble. This figure was revised from an earlier estimate of four after authorities reviewed CCTV footage from the morning of the collapse to better identify those in the immediate vicinity of the structure.

The institution noted that the 14-storey building had previously been flagged by regulatory authorities for non-compliance. Government records indicate the project was approved for 12 floors but had exceeded this limit, reaching 14 floors at the time of the failure. The engineering body stressed that such unauthorized modifications to a building design must be handled with appropriate professional input and proper documentation to ensure structural integrity.

To prevent future tragedies, the organization highlighted its work on a Site Inspection Handbook developed in partnership with the National Construction Authority and the Council of Governors. This tool is intended to provide a framework for rigorous quality assurance and risk mitigation on construction sites. The institution reiterated that it remains ready to provide technical expertise to the investigative teams as they work to establish the root cause of the pancake collapse.

Rescue operations continue under the coordination of the National Disaster Management Unit, with teams from the Kenya Defence Forces and Kenya Red Cross working to clear debris. Cabinet Secretary Ruku reaffirmed the government's commitment to the search, stating that the teams would not leave the site until the suspected victims are accounted for. The engineering institution has called for decisive action against any entities found to have disregarded lawful construction orders or safety standards.