National Construction Authority Statement On Collapse Of Building In Itierio Kisii County

At approximately 9:00 am on Sunday, 6th April 2025, a proposed four-storey residential development collapsed on Plot No. Wanjare/Bogiakumu/2138 in Itierio Area, Kisii County. Regrettably, five people lost their lives, and three others were hospitalized after being rescued by the emergency response team. The project, undertaken by Mr. John Chore, was not registered with the National Construction Authority, and as such, there are no contractor or consultant details on record. The Authority's Nyanza South quality assurance team had previously suspended construction works on the site due to non-compliance via suspension order 117181 issued on 3rd September 2024. However, the developer resumed work before obtaining necessary clearance.

Following the collapse, the site was secured and cordoned off by officers from the Kisii County Government, the National Police Service, and the National Construction Authority. Preliminary reports indicate overall poor workmanship leading to structural failure. It was noted that the developer moved heavy construction materials to the upper floors, which may have resulted in overloading the structure and accelerated the collapse. A detailed investigation will be conducted in the coming days to determine the actual cause of the failure.

This incident is the third such occurrence within a week. On 3rd April 2025, a proposed development on Plot No. Mombasa/Block XLVI/195 in Bondeni Area of Mombasa County was reported to be tilting and sinking, likely due to excess weight from unauthorized construction of additional floors, leading to overload and column failure. The project is registered with the Authority, with Walamason Construction Company Limited as the contractor, Disiani Team Architects as the architects, and Eng. Obed Eliphas Njiru as the engineer. The building has been condemned and cordoned off awaiting demolition.

On 2nd April 2025, a proposed residential development located in Suneka Sub-County, Kisii County, collapsed. Construction works had been suspended by the Authority on 17th November 2021 but resumed without registration. The development is owned by Joyce Oyioka, and no casualties were reported in either incident.

The National Construction Authority reminds all developers, contractors, and industry professionals that any person found to have acted negligently or contravened the law or defied lawful directions will face the full force of the law.

By Eng. Maurice Akech, MBS

Executive Director/Registrar of Contractors

The National Construction Authority(NCA).