The developer of the 16-storey building that collapsed in Nairobi’s South C estate killing at least one person Tuesday refuted claims that the project lacked the necessary approvals or had been flagged by authorities, including the Nairobi County Government.
Abyan Consulting Limited said the development had undergone all required regulatory processes and received approvals from relevant county and national agencies before construction commenced.
The firm was responding to reports circulating on social media and in parts of the mainstream media alleging that the project had not secured proper approvals and was non-compliant with planning and safety regulations.
It dismissed the reports as inaccurate and based on “doctored documents,” saying they had caused public misunderstanding.
According to the company, approvals were granted by Nairobi City County, the National Construction Authority (NCA), the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), and other relevant agencies.
It said it received physical and land use planning approval from Nairobi City County on December 19, 2023, following an application submitted in October 2023 for a mixed-use residential development on L.R. No. 209/5909/10 in South C.
The said approval for three additional floors was granted on February 13, 2025, after a separate application submitted on January 31, 2025.
The company also said the project was registered with the National Construction Authority, which issued a certificate of compliance on November 8, 2023, while an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) licence was issued by NEMA on February 16, 2024.
“All other relevant approvals were sought and granted by their corresponding agencies,” the company said.
Abyan Consulting expressed condolences to the families and loved ones affected by the incident and thanked multi-agency rescue teams, first responders, medical personnel, volunteers, and members of the public who assisted during rescue and recovery operations.
Investigations into the cause of the collapse are ongoing, with authorities yet to release an official report on the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The search at a site where a building collapsed in South C entered its fourth day with hopes to clear the rubble Tuesday.
The teams said they hope to clear the debris by Tuesday Lands Cabinet Secretary Alice Wahome warned the architect behind the collapsed building could be deregistered if investigations establish criminal responsibility.
She added that the recovery exercise at the site is expected to conclude on Tuesday.
This came as the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Sunday ordered immediate investigations into the colla.
DPP Mulele Ingonga described the incident as tragic and raising serious concerns over possible lapses in construction and regulatory oversight.
The building collapsed on January 2, 2026, leaving two people trapped under the rubble and sparking a multi-agency rescue operation.
One body was retrieved from the debris on Sunday.
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