Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero orders probe into collapsed Kaloleni building

Nairobi, Kenya: Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero has ordered a public probe into the collapsed Kaloleni building to among others establish the approval processes of the building structure and land ownership where the incident happened.

“The probe report will make appropriate recommendations on the measures to be taken, including criminal proceedings, on the past and present officers responsible for the collapsed structure leading to the loss of lives,” Kidero said yesterday.

The probe will be chaired by the Chairperson of Architectural Association of Kenya, the Vice Chairperson being a structural engineer nominated by Engineers Board of Kenya, and the Secretary being the CEO of Law Society of Kenya Mr. Apollo Mboya, Kidero said in a statement.

Seven bodies had by Thursday evening  been retrieved from the building while 14 people are missing. 11 were rescued alive.

Rescuers of the scene said they expect the toll to increase as the search goes on.

The six storey building lay on a disputed wetland and locals had protested its construction. Although it was under construction, some of the floors had been occupied.

The building collapsed on Wednesday morning at 3 am.

Joint rescue efforts from the military, Kenya National Disaster Operation Centre, St John’s Ambulance, the Kenya Red Cross Society, the Nairobi City Fire Brigade and the National Youth Service were launched in efforts to rescue those who were trapped.