Enforce building rules to curb wanton deaths

The collapse of yet another building under construction in Nairobi, claiming six lives just three weeks after another one came tumbling down in Eastleigh with similar tragic consequences, is a grim reminder of a persisting grave problem.

The incident at Syokimau on the city’s southeastern outskirts followed the 18-storey tragedy at Eastleigh in which at least eight people were killed, and others injured, smack of criminal impunity. The collapse of the eight-storey Syokimau building is raising questions about construction safety and accountability.

No arrests have been made so far, despite the tough talk by top government officials, including Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, after the Eastleigh debacle. Sadly, innocent Kenyans continue to die in the rubble of buildings that would not have been put up had stringent approvals and strict construction regulations been enforced.

According to data from the Ministry of Lands, Public Works, Housing and Urban Development, 100 buildings have collapsed in the past 30 years, but more than 40 people have been killed in the past five years alone.

These incidents underscore the persistent gaps in enforcing construction regulations. The latest back-to-back tragedies highlight failures in oversight, regulatory compliance, and accountability.

Developers often bypass approvals, ignore stop-work orders, or allow commercial tenants into lower floors before completion and certification. To cut costs, some developers use inferior steel and cement or rely on unqualified personnel. The slow prosecution of the culprits has been cited as a major driver of the ongoing recklessness.

The chain of culprits is long, starting with those who take shortcuts or illegally issue approvals. Ensuring building safety is a major challenge, with inspections by the National Construction Authority (NCA) revealing widespread non-compliance with development permits and construction standards.

Beyond enforcing the existing penalties, the authorities should consider taking more punitive actions against anyone who abets illegalities that result in destruction and wanton deaths. Safe building construction is a must. This calls for deterrent measures.

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