Authorities Sound Alarm on Collapsing Kiambu Building

The National Construction Authority (NCA) is set to demolish a four-story building that is under construction in the Gitaru area, Kiambu County, afterit was established that it is on the verge of collapse.
In a statement on Thursday, September 11, the authority’s Executive Director, Maurice Akech, confirmed that the Kiambu County Government had on Tuesday, September 10, issued a demolition permit for the building.
The permit to demolish the building was granted after the Quality Assurance team from the authority observed the building on Monday, September 8, and determined it was being constructed using substandard concrete, sand, coarse aggregates, reinforcement steel, and cement.
According to the authority, several columns at ground level that were reinforced by substandard concrete are under severe stress, have buckled, and are on the verge of collapse, posing a significant risk to the workers and other nearby buildings.
Additionally, the team revealed that the building was built without the approval of the authority. After the defects were identified, the authority went ahead and suspended all construction works on Monday and also evacuated individuals living in adjacent buildings.
“The National Construction Authority has noted with concern a progressive and escalating structural failure of a four-storey building under construction on Plot No. 3438 at Gitaru Area of Kikuyu Sub-County, Kiambu County. These defects were observed by the Quality Assurance team during a routine inspection on Monday, 8th September 2025,” the authority stated.
“The Authority’s preliminary inspection has established that several reinforced concrete columns at ground level are under severe stress, have buckled and are on the verge of total collapse. The current state of the structure presents a significant risk to the workers, adjacent buildings, and the general public,” it added.
The authority has noted that all parties involved in the unlawful construction of the building will be subjected to legal processes for sanctions, among other penalties.
NCA has further formed a multi-sectoral team comprising officials from the Kiambu County Government, the National Building Inspectorate, and the Engineers’ Boards of Kenya to conduct a structural audit on the building and submit a report once the audit is done.
The authority has urged all engineers and developers to ensure that they always seek the necessary permits from county governments and NCA before they commence the construction of a building, in line with the  National Building Code 2024.
The public have been advised to ensure that they employ valid contractors and professionals in construction projects to ensure compliance andstructurally sound buildings in the country.
“The public is further requested to provide information on any non-compliant construction projects through +254 709 126 102/172/173 or info@nca.go.ke. Complaints and relevant information may also be forwarded to the Authority through our fourteen regional offices as listed on the Authority’s website and our social media platforms,” NCA stated.