Developer Blamed in Collapse of Kisii Building that Killed Five People

The Institution of Engineers of Kenya (IEK) has placed the blame for the deadly collapse of a building in Kisii on the developer.

In a statement on Wednesday, April 9, IEK revealed that preliminary investigations had uncovered disturbing violations of building standards and procedures. 

According to the engineering body, there was no evidence of supervision or involvement of professional engineers during the construction phase. 

Additionally, the project had not been registered with the National Construction Authority (NCA), nor was there an NCA-registered contractor undertaking the works. 

Further, IEK noted that the developer proceeded with construction despite a suspension order from the NCA due to non-compliance.

“These concerns raise significant questions about construction quality assurance and control, including the type and quality of construction materials used, adherence to structural specifications, concrete production and placement methods, compliance with recommended curing and formwork removal periods, concrete strengths achieved, and any alterations or modifications that could have interfered with the load transfer pattern. The competence of the personnel involved is also in question,” the statement read.

IEK emphasized that responsibilities reserved for engineers should only be entrusted to licensed professionals.

"All these key factors require the oversight of qualified professional engineers, as they are essential to ensuring public safety, structural integrity and regulatory compliance," the statement continued.

In response to the tragedy, IEK is calling for swift action and accountability from the relevant authorities.

“The Institution of Engineers of Kenya (IEK) calls for thorough investigations and those found culpable to be held accountable for the tragic event. This will deter developers engaging in behaviours that compromise safety in our building industry. We call for greater accountability and stronger enforcement of the building code and other building regulations,” the statement further read.

On Sunday, April 6, the four-storey building which was under construction collapsed, resulting in the deaths of five people and injuries to several others.

Emergency response teams, including the Kenya Red Cross Society, promptly arrived at the scene to conduct rescue operations. 

Four survivors were rescued from the debris and transported to Kisii Teaching and Referral Hospital for medical attention.

Witnesses noted that warnings about structural instability were reportedly ignored prior to the collapse.