Building collapse cases in Nairobi: Who is to blame for construction crisis?

Kenya's construction industry is facing mounting criticism following a series of building collapses and revelations of widespread non-compliance with safety regulations. A government quality assurance report found that 57% of 21,282 inspected buildings were non-compliant and potentially unsafe. The Eastleigh building collapse in October 2026 reignited concerns over construction safety.

Developers are accused of prioritising profits over structural safety, cutting costs by compromising materials and ignoring geotechnical investigations. Poor workmanship, inadequate supervision and unskilled labour are highlighted as issues involving contractors. The report also raises concerns about individuals impersonating qualified professionals to avoid proper oversight.

The government's National Construction Authority (NCA) is responsible for regulating the industry, but the assessment found fragmented approval processes and weak coordination between agencies. Only 15 successful convictions were recorded by the NCA by March 2026, despite 57% of inspected buildings failing compliance checks.

The report recommends stronger inspections at critical construction stages, better coordination between regulators, stricter penalties for violations and improved capacity for county governments to enforce regulations. The crisis highlights systemic weaknesses in Kenya's construction governance, with developers, contractors, professionals and regulators all contributing to the problem. The real test is whether buildings are properly constructed, inspected and declared safe before occupation.