More than 30 tenants were forced to flee their homes after a residential building in Nairobi developed alarming cracks, raising fears of a possible collapse.
The incident occurred on April 29 at Park West Apartments in Westlands, where structural damage was linked to ongoing excavation work on a nearby construction site. The digging is believed to have weakened the building’s foundation, leading to visible cracks along the walls.
Emergency responders quickly arrived at the scene, secured the area, and oversaw the evacuation of residents along with their belongings to ensure their safety.
According to the building’s owner, concerns had been raised earlier about the nearby construction, including constant vibrations and unsafe excavation practices, but no action was taken. She noted that the building had recently shown signs of serious damage, including the collapse of a perimeter wall and a balcony.
The landlord further explained that the property had stood for over a decade without issues, but problems began after a new developer started deep excavation on the adjacent plot, ultimately compromising the building’s structural stability.
The evacuation comes amid ongoing heavy rains affecting several parts of the country, which have worsened conditions and contributed to flooding and structural risks in multiple areas.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation as concerns grow over building safety in Nairobi, especially in areas experiencing rapid construction activity.