• Governor urges professional bodies to report architects, engineers and quantity surveyors withdrawn from approved construction projects, calling for tougher penalties against rogue developers.

Nairobi Governor Sakaja Johnson has called on professional bodies representing architects, engineers and quantity surveyors to take action against developers who dismiss qualified professionals from approved construction projects and proceed with unauthorised works.

The Governor also renewed his call for the restoration of prosecutorial powers to county governments, arguing that weak penalties against developers who flout building regulations undermine enforcement and put lives at risk.

Speaking as he led a multi-agency response following the collapse of an incomplete 12-storey building along 1st Avenue, 9th Street, in Eastleigh, Sakaja said counties needed stronger legal powers to hold developers accountable for violating approved construction plans and safety standards.

The building was still under construction, with the ground floor occupied at the time of the collapse. The incident triggered an emergency search and rescue operation amid fears that people could be trapped beneath the rubble.

“We have formally written to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, and we hope our request will be considered. Counties must be empowered to take firm action against rogue developers who disregard building regulations and put lives at risk,” Sakaja said.

He questioned the deterrent effect of existing penalties, noting that some developers found guilty of violating construction regulations could face fines as low as Sh5,000.

“Even when such offenders are arrested and taken to court, the penalties can be as low as Sh5,000, which is not a sufficient deterrent,” he said.

The Governor said some developers engage qualified architects, engineers and quantity surveyors to secure construction approvals but later dismiss them and continue building using unqualified personnel.

He said the practice undermines safeguards intended to ensure that buildings adhere to approved designs and established safety standards.

Sakaja urged professional bodies representing architects, engineers, quantity surveyors and builders to work closely with county governments to strengthen oversight of construction projects. He called on the bodies to investigate cases where professionals are withdrawn from approved sites under circumstances that raise compliance concerns and take appropriate disciplinary action against those found culpable.

“Developers must be held accountable for any decision to compromise construction standards. The professionals responsible for the design, supervision and safety of buildings must also be supported to uphold their professional obligations without interference,” he said.

Sakaja further emphasised that developers must obtain the required occupation certificates before buildings are put to use, following inspections to establish that the structures are safe and fit for occupation.

He noted that developers are required to secure county approvals, engage qualified professionals and sign indemnity forms committing them to comply with approved plans and construction standards.

“However, some developers disregard these commitments after obtaining approvals and dismiss the very professionals responsible for ensuring quality and compliance with building regulations,” he said.

The Governor said restoring prosecutorial powers to counties, introducing tougher penalties and strengthening collaboration with professional bodies would improve enforcement and help prevent similar tragedies.

Meanwhile, Nairobi City County emergency response teams were coordinating search and rescue operations at the Eastleigh site in collaboration with the National Disaster Operations Centre, the Kenya Red Cross, the Kenya Defence Forces and other relevant agencies.

Heavy machinery had been deployed to clear debris and create access to areas where victims could be trapped, as additional resources were mobilised to support the operation.

Sakaja urged families and members of the public with information about missing persons to report to designated centres established by teams at the scene. Residents were also advised to share information through the county’s emergency hotlines, 1508 and 1199.

“Our health teams are on standby to provide immediate medical attention and support rescue efforts as soon as victims are reached. We are doing everything possible to ensure the operation proceeds as quickly and safely as possible,” he said.

The collapse has renewed attention on the enforcement of building regulations in Nairobi, particularly developers’ obligation to adhere to approved plans and the need for effective inspections throughout the construction process.

Sakaja said stronger enforcement, meaningful penalties and closer collaboration between county governments and professional bodies were essential to protecting lives and ensuring compliance with construction laws.