NAIROBI, Kenya — The Government of Kenya has provided a critical update on the ongoing rescue operations in South C, Nairobi, clarifying that two individuals, rather than the previously estimated four—are believed to be trapped within the ruins of a collapsed 14-storey building.
Speaking during a press briefing on Saturday, January 3, Cabinet Secretary for Public Service, Human Capital Development, and Special Programmes, Geoffrey Ruku, expressed optimism that those trapped may still be alive, fueling a relentless, “round-the-clock” rescue mission.
Operational details and the “golden window”
The disaster occurred at approximately 4:05 a.m. on January 2, 2026, at the South C Shopping Centre. CS Ruku confirmed that a multi-agency response, led by the National Disaster Management Unit (NDMU), was activated immediately.
Dr. Duncan Ochieng, the Director of NDMU, is currently overseeing the site as the Incident Commander.
The CS emphasized that rescuers are currently operating within a critical timeframe to save lives.
“The incident management team is working day and night, deploying specialised skills, equipment, and proven urban search and rescue techniques, while taking full advantage of the golden rescue window associated with building collapse incidents,” CS Ruku stated. “I want to assure the nation that the Government is sparing no effort, no resources, and no expertise in this operation.”
Strategic objectives and safety warnings
The government’s response is structured around four primary goals: prioritizing the safety of rescuers and the public, locating victims, restoring road access to the South C area, and eventually clearing the massive volume of debris.
Addressing the technical nature of the disaster, the CS described the failure as a “complete pancake-type collapse” of a 14-storey structure, which included a basement parking level. He also issued a stern warning regarding a neighboring building, noting that its structural stability remains unverified.
Residents and onlookers have been urged to stay away from the perimeter until the area is officially declared safe.
Regarding the status of the missing, CS Ruku confirmed:
“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.”
Investigation and legal accountability
While the exact cause of the tragedy is still under investigation, a high-level multi-sectoral team has been formed to probe the collapse.
This team includes the National Construction Authority (NCA), the National Building Inspectorate, the Engineers Board of Kenya, and the Nairobi City County Government, among others.
CS Ruku made it clear that negligence will not be tolerated.
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“Any person or group of people found culpable will be held fully accountable in accordance with the laws of Kenya,” he asserted.
Call for verified information
The government has urged the media and the public to disregard speculative reports and rely solely on official briefings, which will be issued daily at 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
In closing, the CS lauded the bravery of the responders from the KDF Disaster Response Battalion, the Kenya Red Cross, and the National Youth Service, who are working under perilous conditions.
“Finally, I wish to reaffirm that the government remains fully present, fully committed, and firmly at the frontline of this response. The safety of our people, the rescue or recovery of the suspected victims, and accountability for this incident remain our highest priorities,” he concluded.
