Three high-rise buildings unsafe, says agency

The National Building and Inspectorate has condemned three high-rise buildings in Kisii said to be having serious structural weaknesses.

The three buildings are all occupied at the moment.

The Inspectorate handed over its report to the county government.

Secretary to the inspectorate Moses Nyakiongora said the report was made by a Government multi-agency committee, which has been going round the country inspecting buildings.

“We have given relevant government departments the report and we expect that tenants will be evacuated from those houses as soon as possible," said Nyakiongora.

He said that Kisii town ranks second after Nairobi in the number of unsafe buildings.

“Nairobi has eaten much of the committee's time with at least 3,000 buildings under construction and which require constant inspection. We need to prepare Kisii for city status. We are lucky to have cooperation from all Government officers,” said Nyakiongora.

“We will closely work with engineers and give a quick proposal and how to improve the affected houses. Our aim is not to demolish houses but we are all concerned about the safety of those living in those houses,” he said.

The official said more than 600 permanent and semi-permanent buildings were demolished in the recent exercise in Kisii to reclaim public land and riparian areas as well as reclaim the polluted River Nyakomisaro.

“We must protect public interest. Anybody who breaks the law is an enemy of the public. We have a chance to put things right,” said Nyakiongora.