A building has collapsed in Karen, Nairobi, with an unknown number of people feared trapped as rescue operations continue.
Former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko confirmed the incident, stating that several people were trapped and at least three bodies had been recovered. As of publication, neither the Nairobi County government nor the National Disaster Management Unit had issued an official update.
“Another building has just collapsed in Karen near KCB. Several people trapped inside. 2 dead bodies already confirmed.
“3rd body confirmed,” he posted on his socials
The collapse comes less than two weeks after a 12-storey building fell in Nairobi’s South C estate, killing two people. The incidents have renewed concerns previously raised by the Architectural Association of Kenya (AAK) over the safety of buildings in Nairobi. The AAK has warned that many structures are unfit for human occupation due to poor enforcement of building regulations, corruption, and the use of substandard materials.
Inspections by the National Building Inspectorate reportedly found that only about 15% of assessed buildings were structurally safe, while roughly 85% were unsafe, required major repairs, or posed serious risks to occupants.
Another mess from Nairobi’s planning. People will die in the city. The city is being destroyed and we watch.
The city’s planning department and office of the governor has only criminals.
David Njoroge, Osman Khalif and the entire planning team from CECM downward must be held… pic.twitter.com/zsvZPmLMWd
— Robert ALAI, HSC (@RobertAlai) January 10, 2026