On April 9, 2025, the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) demolished a sinking 11-storey building in Fayaz Estate, Mombasa. This action followed rising fears about construction safety in Kenya.
Discovery of Danger
On April 2, 2025, residents of Kilifi Corner noticed that a building had begun sinking. Engineers later discovered that unauthorized borehole drilling had weakened the foundation. As a result, ground floor columns collapsed by almost three meters.
Swift Evacuation by Authorities
The Mombasa County Government acted immediately. They evacuated residents from the sinking building and nearby apartments. Local businesses also closed temporarily to protect workers and customers.
Because of the growing danger, the Ministry of Interior requested help from the KDF for a controlled demolition.
KDF Steps In
On April 7, 2025, Defence Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya issued a gazette notice. It approved the deployment of KDF engineers. Their mission was to help in the emergency operation and reduce risks.
This fast action showed the seriousness of the situation.
Safety Measures for the Public
Authorities worked hard to protect nearby communities. They launched several safety steps to prepare for the demolition.
- Evacuation Area: Residents within 1.2 kilometers had to leave the zone.
- Traffic Control: Many people used the Nyali Bridge to move away from danger.
- Public Alerts: Governor Abdulswamad Nassir called the building a “ticking time bomb,” warning citizens to stay alert.
These measures helped avoid chaos and panic during the demolition.
Controlled Demolition Succeeds
At exactly 12:55 PM on April 9, the KDF carried out the demolition. Their engineers used controlled explosions to bring the structure down. Thankfully, no injuries were reported.
The smooth operation reflected the strong teamwork between national and county agencies.
Public Reaction and Outrage
The public reacted quickly after the demolition. Relief and frustration filled the air.
Many residents felt safe again, but they were angry about unsafe construction practices. Some blamed developers for ignoring building laws. Others pointed fingers at authorities for poor enforcement.
Government Promises Action
Local leaders assured Kenyans that rules would now be followed more strictly. They promised to crack down on illegal construction projects across the country.
In fact, the Mombasa County Government plans to inspect all high-rise buildings built in the past five years.
Citizens Demand Accountability
Kenyans want those responsible held accountable. Developers, contractors, and engineers who ignore laws must face the consequences. People are tired of tragedies caused by shortcuts and greed.
Transparency in construction is no longer optional — it’s a must.
What This Means for the Industry
This incident has exposed major gaps in the construction sector. Experts say several key changes must happen soon:
- Better Oversight: Officials must inspect building sites regularly to stop violations early.
- Public Education: Citizens should learn how to identify dangerous structures and report them.
- Policy Changes: Developers are pushing for simpler but stricter building approval systems.
These steps could prevent future disasters and save lives.
The Role of Borehole Drilling
The unauthorized borehole played a key role in this crisis. It shows how even small activities can cause massive damage when done incorrectly.
As a result, environmental authorities are reviewing borehole licenses. They aim to prevent future drilling near building foundations.
Lessons for All Stakeholders
The demolition in Mombasa was not just about bringing down a building; rather, it marked a turning point for Kenya. More importantly, it sent a strong message to the entire country. Clearly, cutting corners in construction has serious consequences.
Thankfully, with the help of the KDF, a major disaster was prevented. However, Kenya must now use this critical moment to improve construction standards. Moving forward, everyone — from leaders to developers — must commit to building safer homes, schools, and offices.
If Kenya takes action now, future tragedies can absolutely be avoided. In conclusion, the time for change is now.
Conclusion
The demolition in Mombasa was not just about bringing down a building; rather, it marked a turning point for Kenya. More importantly, it sent a strong message to the entire country. Clearly, cutting corners in construction has serious consequences.
Thankfully, with the help of the KDF, a major disaster was prevented. However, Kenya must now use this critical moment to improve construction standards. Moving forward, everyone — from leaders to developers — must commit to building safer homes, schools, and offices.
If Kenya takes action now, future tragedies can absolutely be avoided. In conclusion, the time for change is now.
