The government has raised hopes that people trapped inside the collapsed building in South C, Nairobi, may still be alive, as intensive search and rescue operations continue for a second day.
Cabinet Secretary for Public Service, Human Capital Development and Special Programmes Geoffrey Ruku said authorities have received credible information suggesting that at least two people may have been inside the building at the time it collapsed.
Speaking on Saturday, Ruku said the reports have strongly influenced the ongoing rescue strategy, with teams working around the clock to locate and save any survivors.
“Based on information available at the Incident Command Post, there are two reports of persons suspected to have been trapped inside the collapsed building. There is reason to believe they may still be alive, and this belief continues to strongly inform and motivate the ongoing intensive rescue efforts,” Ruku said in a statement.
He appealed to families and friends of the suspected victims to remain patient and hopeful as emergency teams continue their work.
“At this early stage, I wish to appeal to families and friends of the suspected victims to remain patient and hopeful. The incident management team is working day and night, deploying specialised skills, equipment, and proven urban search and rescue techniques,” he added.
The multi-storey building collapsed at approximately 4.05am on January 2, 2026, triggering the immediate activation of a coordinated multi-agency emergency response.
Rescue operations are being conducted under the leadership of the National Disaster Management Unit (NDMU), with a fully operational Incident Command System established at the scene to coordinate efforts, manage resources, and ensure the safety of first responders.
Emergency teams on the ground include the Kenya Red Cross, the National Police Service, the Kenya Defence Forces, county disaster response units, and specialised urban search and rescue personnel.
Authorities have cordoned off the area as heavy machinery and specialised listening devices are deployed to detect any signs of life beneath the rubble. Investigations into the cause of the collapse are expected to begin once rescue operations are concluded.
The South C incident has renewed public concern over building safety standards in Nairobi, particularly amid rapid urban development and a growing number of construction-related accidents in the city.
