Architects Alliance Calls for National Audit of Buildings After Eastleigh Collapse
The Architects Alliance has called for a nationwide building safety audit, an independent investigation into the Eastleigh collapse and sweeping reforms to address weaknesses in construction approvals, inspections and enforcement.
Nairobi, Kenya – The Architects Alliance (TAA) has urged for an urgent nationwide audit of buildings and significant reforms in the construction sector in the wake of a recent building collapse in Eastleigh, Nairobi. The incident occurred on October 23, 2026, and has heightened concerns over systemic weaknesses in development approvals, inspections, and enforcement.
TAA president, Sen. Dr Sylvia Kasanga, stated that the government and regulatory bodies must address these issues proactively rather than reacting after disasters. The alliance has called for an independent technical investigation into the Eastleigh collapse, demanding transparency in the building’s approval status, construction supervision, inspections, and any enforcement actions taken.
They also requested an immediate risk-based audit of all existing and ongoing developments, with a focus on densely populated urban areas showing signs of structural distress.
The TAA emphasized the need for accountability and preventive measures, urging authorities to prioritise rescue operations, evaluate the safety of surrounding structures, and provide timely information to the public. They pointed out that while investigations into the cause of the collapse are necessary, the recurrence of such incidents suggests deeper issues within the regulatory framework.
The alliance has previously raised similar concerns following building collapses in South C and Nairobi, highlighting weaknesses in development approvals, professional supervision, inspections, and enforcement. They argued that isolated measures like arrests and temporary enforcement operations are insufficient to address the root problems. The TAA proposed reforms across the entire development process, from design and approvals to construction, supervision, inspection, and certification.
Key recommendations include strengthening the Office of the City Architect in Nairobi, establishing similar offices in counties, and expanding the National Construction Authority (NCA), Board of Registration of Architects and Quantity Surveyors (BORAQS), and Parliament’s role in developing a coordinated national programme for preventing building failures.
The TAA also advocated for a national building failure investigation and prevention framework, public disclosure of previous investigation reports, and the creation of independent regulatory frameworks for built-environment professionals. They urged the government to convene a national multi-stakeholder engagement to agree on a time-bound programme of reforms, emphasizing that building safety must be a non-negotiable priority.
Written by urgent.news from Capital FM Kenya's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
