Building Collapses in Shauri Moyo

A multi-agency rescue operation is underway in Nairobi’s Shauri Moyo area after a building collapsed on Monday during a demolition exercise, trapping people under the debris. Authorities confirmed that at least two individuals were rescued from the collapsed structure at Blue Estate in Shauri Moyo, Kamukunji Sub-County, with one sustaining minor injuries. In a statement, the Ministry of Interior and National Administration said the building came down following an attempted demolition earlier in the day. The structure was among several buildings located along the riparian corridor of the Nairobi River that have been earmarked for removal under the Nairobi River Regeneration Programme being implemented by the Nairobi Rivers Commission. Reports indicate that more individuals could still be trapped beneath the rubble, prompting an urgent search and rescue operation involving multiple government agencies. Teams from the Kenya Defence Forces, the National Police Service, National Government Administrative Officers, and the Kenya Red Cross were quickly deployed to the scene to assist with rescue efforts. According to authorities, two people have so far been pulled out of the debris. One of the victims suffered slight injuries and was taken to the hospital for treatment, while the other was reported to be safe and unharmed. The Office of the Nairobi North County Commissioner Simon Osumba said emergency teams remain on site and continue to comb through the debris as they assess the situation and search for anyone who may still be trapped. Officials have urged members of the public to keep away from the affected area to allow rescue teams to operate without interference. The incident comes amid an ongoing government effort to reclaim land along the Nairobi River and restore the waterway, which has for years been affected by pollution, illegal dumping and encroachment by informal and permanent structures. The Nairobi River Regeneration Programme, launched in recent years, aims to clean up the river system and remove buildings constructed within riparian zones, which are protected environmental areas meant to safeguard waterways from pollution and flooding. Authorities have in the past warned that structures built along riparian land are vulnerable to collapse and pose safety risks, particularly during demolition or heavy rains. As rescue operations continue in Shauri Moyo, officials say updates on any additional injuries or casualties will be communicated through official channels once the ongoing assessment is completed.