One dead, four rescued after building collapse in Kericho

A building under construction collapsed on Wednesday in Chebocho Sub-location, Kericho County, leaving one person dead and several others injured.

Four workers were rescued from the scene, officials said.

The incident, confirmed by County Commissioner Jeremiah Gicheru, triggered an immediate multi-agency emergency response involving Kenya Red Cross, National Government Administrative Officers, and local rescue teams.

Search and rescue operations were ongoing at the scene as teams worked to reach individuals believed to be trapped beneath the rubble.

Authorities said four people had been successfully rescued and rushed to Kericho County Referral Hospital for treatment.

“Regrettably, one fatality has been confirmed. The body has been retrieved and moved to the hospital mortuary,” Gicheru said.

Officials are still working to establish the exact number of workers who were at the construction site at the time of the collapse to ensure all are accounted for.

The government has urged members of the public to keep away from the area to allow emergency teams to carry out rescue operations without interference.

This is the latest such incident to happen in the construction industry amid calls for adherence to the laid down standards to ensure safety of all. Dozens of workers have died in separate incidents after buildings under construction collapsed.

Many others were left with injuries. The incidents remain under probe.