The National Construction Authority has suspended a construction project in Karen after a building collapse that killed two workers and injured seven others. The incident happened on January 10, 2026, due to substandard materials and poor workmanship. Authorities are investigating amid growing concerns over building safety in Nairobi.
On Saturday, January 10, 2026, a building under construction in Karen, Nairobi, collapsed during concrete casting at the carport area. The incident occurred at 5:00 pm at Plot No. 12882/197, Ngong View Lane, Karen Ward, Lang’ata Sub-County, Southern Borough. Two workers died and seven others were injured, according to police and county reports.
The National Construction Authority (NCA) announced the suspension of the project, stating it was not registered with them at the time of the incident. "The construction project was not registered with the Authority and remains suspended vide Suspension Order No. 165431 dated January 10 2026," NCA said in its statement.
The Nairobi County Government, through County Executive Committee Member Patrick Mbogo for Built Environment and Urban Planning, said the main cause was the use of timber gun tree supports instead of steel props for the double volume slab. "NCCG approved the architectural plans on 14th November 2024, while structural plans received approval on 27th November 2024," Mbogo said. Poor workmanship and inadequate formwork also contributed.
Rescue teams from the county government, Red Cross, and others conducted operations, concluding on the night of January 10. The site has been secured, with investigations ongoing by NCA, the county, and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations.
This incident comes less than two weeks after another building under construction collapsed in South C, causing two deaths. Experts from the Architectural Association of Kenya (AAK) have linked such events to poor enforcement of building regulations, corruption, and substandard materials. National Building Inspectorate assessments found only 15 percent of buildings structurally safe, with 85 percent unsafe or risky.
Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has called for county governments to be granted prosecutorial powers to sue developers violating construction laws.
