Engineers' body urges probe, stricter oversight after Eastleigh building collapse

 

By Zak

The Association of Consulting Engineers of Kenya (ACEK) has expressed shock at the collapse of a multi-storey building under construction in Eastleigh, Nairobi. It has called for a forensic investigation and stronger enforcement of construction standards.

In a statement issued today, ACEK President Eng. Gabriel W. Jabong'o extended condolences to affected families, workers, businesses and the Eastleigh community. He said the priority must remain preserving life and continuing rescue operations.

According to official reports cited by the association, rescue teams have made contact with some of the missing persons, and efforts to reach them are continuing. ACEK commended the Kenya Red Cross, National Police Service, Kenya Defence Forces, Nairobi City County, National Youth Service and other agencies for working under extremely challenging conditions.

No cause yet

ACEK cautioned against speculation, saying only a detailed forensic engineering investigation can establish what happened. It noted that building collapses worldwide are commonly linked to factors such as:

- Structural design deficiencies

- Poor workmanship or substandard materials

- Deviation from approved drawings

- Inadequate supervision

- Overloaded structural elements

- Weak foundations or adverse ground conditions

- Unauthorized alterations

- Non-compliance with regulations, and weak inspection and enforcement

Calls for reform

The association proposed a package of remedies, including strict enforcement of building codes, stronger county and regulatory oversight, and mandatory use of licensed professionals throughout a project's lifecycle. It also called for more site inspections, greater accountability for developers, contractors, consultants and supervisors, digital monitoring and compliance systems, public awareness of unauthorized developments, and closer collaboration among regulators, professional institutions and industry players.

ACEK urged developers and investors to hire qualified, registered consulting engineers from project conception through completion. "The cost of professional design and supervision is insignificant" compared with the human, social and economic toll of a structural failure, it said.

Accountability

On responsibility, ACEK said no individual or organization should be blamed before investigations conclude. If negligence is established, it said, liability could extend to the developer, contractor, design consultants, site supervisors or regulatory authorities, depending on the findings. It stressed that accountability must rest on evidence and due process.

The association said it is ready to support authorities, professional bodies and investigative agencies in establishing the facts and drawing lessons to prevent future incidents.

"Public safety must never be compromised in the pursuit of expediency or cost savings," the statement said.