Eastleigh Tragedy: Consulting Engineers Decry Building Collapse, Demand Crackdown on Rogue Construction

By Bruno Aero Family News Desk

NAIROBI, Kenya  The Association of Consulting Engineers of Kenya (ACEK) has expressed shock and deep sadness following the collapse of a multi-storey building under construction in Eastleigh, Nairobi, urging that rescue of those still trapped remains the immediate priority

n a press statement issued on  Saturday ,24 October 2026, ACEK President Eng. Gabriel W. Jabong'o extended sympathies to affected families, workers, businesses and the Eastleigh community, saying the engineering fraternity was praying for the swift and safe recovery of those still unaccounted for.

According to official reports, rescue teams have established contact with some of the missing persons and efforts to reach them are continuing.

ACEK commended emergency responders including the Kenya Red Cross, National Police Service, Kenya Defence Forces, Nairobi City County, National Youth Service and other agencies for their tireless efforts under extremely challenging conditions.

"We join all Kenyans in praying that the ongoing rescue operations will lead to their swift and safe recovery," Eng. Jabong'o said, while also wishing those injured a full and speedy recovery.

ACEK Warns Against Speculation on Cause

While the exact cause of the collapse is yet to be established, ACEK said it would be premature and irresponsible to speculate before investigations are complete.

The association noted however that experience worldwide shows building collapses are commonly associated with structural design deficiencies, poor workmanship, use of substandard materials, deviation from approved drawings, inadequate supervision, overloading of structural elements, weak foundations, unauthorized alterations, failure to comply with building regulations, and weak inspection and enforcement mechanisms.

"Only a detailed forensic engineering investigation can determine the actual cause in this particular case," the statement said.

Who is Responsible

ACEK cautioned against blaming any individual or organization before investigations are concluded, saying accountability must be based on evidence and due process, not speculation.

Depending on investigation findings, responsibility could potentially extend to the developer or project owner, the contractor, design consultants where professional negligence is established, site supervision personnel, regulatory authorities where approval or enforcement failures are proven, or any other party that may have acted outside the law.

Engineers Demand Tough Reforms

The tragedy, ACEK said, underscores the urgent need to strengthen the entire construction governance ecosystem.

The association listed seven key remedies:

1.  Strict enforcement of building codes and regulations.

2.  Enhanced oversight by county authorities and regulatory agencies.

3.  Mandatory engagement of qualified and licensed professionals throughout the project lifecycle and increased site inspections.

4.  Stronger accountability for developers, contractors, consultants and supervisors.

5.  Adoption of digital construction monitoring and compliance systems.

6.  Improved public awareness on the dangers of unauthorized developments.

7.  Strengthening collaboration among regulatory bodies, professional institutions and industry stakeholders.

ACEK further encouraged all developers, investors and project owners to engage qualified and duly registered consulting engineers from the earliest stages of project conception through design, construction supervision, and completion.

"Quality infrastructure is achieved when projects are designed, reviewed, and supervised by competent professionals working within established regulatory and professional frameworks," Eng. Jabong'o said.

He stressed that the cost of professional design and supervision is insignificant compared to the devastating human, social and economic consequences of a building failure.

"Every building that stands safely for generations is a testament to the value of professional engineering. Public safety must never be compromised in the pursuit of expediency or cost savings."

ACEK said it stands ready to support relevant authorities, professional bodies and investigative agencies in establishing the facts and drawing lessons that will help prevent similar incidents in the future.

"Let us all continue to support the rescue teams and pray for the safe recovery of those who remain missing, comfort for affected families, and healing for the injured. May God protect those still trapped and grant strength to all those working tirelessly to save lives."