Several people feared trapped after multi-storey building collapses in Eastleigh, Nairobi

Several people are feared trapped under the rubble after a multi-storey building under construction collapsed on Friday afternoon, 23 October 2026, in Nairobi’s Eastleigh area.

Reports from the scene place the incident along 9th Street (also referred to in some early accounts as 10th Street) near Yusuf Haji Avenue, close to Day to Day Supermarket. The structure, described by various sources as between 14 and 18 storeys, was still under construction when it gave way. Lower levels reportedly housed functioning shops while upper floors remained incomplete.

Crowds of residents, traders and passersby quickly gathered as dust rose over the busy commercial street. Business activity in the immediate area came to a halt, and traffic on surrounding roads was heavily disrupted.

Kenya Red Cross confirmed it had dispatched response teams to the site and urged the public to stay clear so emergency personnel could work safely. Rescue efforts were underway at the time of reporting, with ambulances and other emergency services mobilised. Exact numbers of people trapped, injured or unaccounted for had not been officially confirmed.

Local media and eyewitness accounts circulating on social media showed large groups of people near the debris and videos of the collapsed structure. Officials had not yet released a full casualty update or details on the possible cause.

Eastleigh is a densely populated commercial hub in Nairobi’s Eastlands. Building collapses have occurred periodically in the city in recent years, often involving structures under construction or demolition, prompting repeated calls for stricter enforcement of building standards and inspections.

Further updates are expected as rescue operations continue and authorities assess the scene.

Mustaqbal