Kileleshwa Ward MCA Robert Alai has made explosive allegations following the collapse of a 16-storey building in South C, Nairobi, an incident that has sparked nationwide outrage and renewed scrutiny of construction oversight in the capital.
In a statement issued after the tragedy, Alai claimed that at least six people lost their lives in the collapse, including two security guards and two Bolt drivers, along with their passengers. Rescue operations were still ongoing as authorities worked to confirm the final casualty figures and account for all those who may have been trapped under the rubble.
The outspoken MCA further alleged that the building was erected in blatant violation of approved plans. According to information he said he had received, the development, located on land parcel LR No. 209/5909/10, was originally approved for only 12 floors. However, five additional floors were allegedly added illegally, pushing the structure to 16 storeys.
“Two guards and 2 Bolt drivers, plus their passengers, are reportedly killed in the South C building collapse.
“I am told that this building was built on LR. NO. 209/5909/10 was initially approved for 12 floors. 5 more floors were added after a bribe of Ksh 25 million was shared among County Officers within the Nairobi County Physical Planning department”.
Mr. Alai claimed that the extra floors were sanctioned after a bribe of KSh 25 million was allegedly shared among officers within the Nairobi County Physical Planning Department. If proven, the allegations would point to deep-rooted corruption within county systems tasked with enforcing building standards and public safety.
The revelations have intensified public anger, with Kenyans demanding accountability from both developers and county officials. Many have questioned how such a massive structure could be allowed to rise beyond its approved limits without intervention, only to end in loss of life.
Nairobi County officials and national government agencies are yet to formally respond to the specific claims. Investigations have since been launched to establish the cause of the collapse, verify approvals, and determine whether corruption and negligence played a role.
As the city mourns the victims, the South C disaster has once again highlighted the deadly consequences of compromised planning and weak enforcement in Nairobi’s rapidly expanding construction sector.
