NAIROBI, Kenya — Emergency response teams have launched a search and rescue operation following the collapse of a building at Nairobi’s Gikomba Market, one of Kenya’s busiest commercial hubs.
The incident triggered an immediate response from multiple emergency agencies, with rescuers racing against time to establish whether anyone remains trapped beneath the rubble.
In a statement, the Kenya Red Cross Society confirmed that it had deployed personnel to support rescue efforts alongside the Nairobi City County Fire Brigade and other emergency responders.
“Search and rescue operations are ongoing alongside the Nairobi City County Fire Brigade and other emergency responders,” the humanitarian agency said.
By Thursday afternoon, emergency crews were combing through the debris in an effort to locate and assist potential victims.
Authorities had not immediately released information on casualties, injuries, or the number of people who may have been inside the structure when it collapsed.
Witnesses at the scene reported a heavy emergency presence as firefighters, rescue personnel and volunteers worked to secure the area and assess the extent of the damage.
The priority remains determining whether any occupants or traders were trapped when the building gave way.
Officials have not yet disclosed the cause of the collapse, and investigations are expected to begin once rescue operations are completed.
The incident has once again raised concerns about building safety and structural integrity in densely populated commercial areas within the capital.
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Authorities said further updates would be provided as rescue efforts progress and more information becomes available.
Gikomba Market is one of East Africa’s largest open-air trading centres, attracting thousands of traders and customers daily.
The market has previously experienced major incidents, including devastating fires and structural failures, prompting recurring concerns about infrastructure safety, emergency preparedness and enforcement of building regulations.
The latest collapse is likely to renew scrutiny over compliance with construction standards and safety inspections in high-traffic commercial zones.
Emergency teams remained on site as rescue and assessment operations continued.
