Nairobi Gov. Sakaja Breaks Silence After South C Collapse
Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has finally addressed the public after nearly 72 hours of silence following the tragic collapse of a mixed-use multi-storey building at the South C shopping centre. The disaster, which authorities confirmed claimed two lives, has intensified scrutiny over construction practices and the oversight of developers in Kenya’s capital.
In a briefing that drew significant attention from residents, city officials, and civil society groups, Sakaja emphasized that the incident exposes “a clear failure in the regulatory framework” governing construction and land use. He stated that the city would not tolerate lax oversight that endangers lives, and he signaled a renewed push to root out rogue developers who flout safety standards and permit processes.
The Response: Accountability and Immediate Action
Speaking at the site of the collapsed structure, the governor outlined immediate steps being taken to secure the area, assist affected families, and prevent a recurrence. Key actions include enhanced inspections of ongoing construction projects, a temporary halt on new permits where risk indicators are high, and a comprehensive audit of recent building approvals within the precinct.
Sakaja also announced the formation of a task force, drawing on engineers, urban planners, and law-enforcement officials, to investigate the chain of approvals for the collapsed building. The aim is to determine responsibility at every stage—from initial zoning decisions to the final construction permit and subsequent inspections. The governor underscored that accountability would extend beyond property developers to include municipal officers who may have overlooked or bypassed safety norms.
Rogue Developers Under Scrutiny
In his remarks, Sakaja made a pointed distinction between legitimate developers who adhere to regulations and those who manipulate loopholes or ignore critical safety requirements. He warned that rogue actors would not be spared scrutiny, and he pledged to work with national authorities to pursue legal action against individuals and firms found to have compromised public safety for profit.
The issue at hand is not only a local concern but a test of Nairobi’s ability to enforce building codes consistently across diverse neighborhoods. Community leaders have long called for tighter controls, clearer permit processes, and stricter penalties for violations. The governor’s comments align with those calls, signaling a readiness to empower city regulators and modernize oversight mechanisms.
Impact on Residents and the City’s Image
Families displaced by the collapse face an uncertain future, while nearby businesses have reported disruptions due to the incident and the ongoing investigations. Local residents have expressed relief that leadership is addressing the crisis, but questions remain about the timeliness of the response and the pace of investigations. For Nairobi as a city, the event serves as a crucial test of governance: can authorities deliver swift, transparent accountability and implement reforms that prevent similar tragedies?
Experts say the path forward should include not only punitive measures but also preventative strategies. These include mandatory independent safety audits for high-risk projects, digital tracking of permit applications, and clearer penalties for non-compliance. By adopting a more rigorous and transparent framework, Nairobi can rebuild trust with its residents and attract responsible development going forward.
What Comes Next
Authorities have indicated that more details will be released as investigations progress. In the meantime, the city is expected to announce additional support for families, along with a timeline for enhanced regulatory reforms. Sakaja’s stance against rogue developers positions him at the center of a broader push for better urban governance—one that prioritizes public safety, accountability, and sustainable growth for Nairobi.
