Four people have been injured after a building that formerly housed Club Avenida collapsed during demolition along Moi Avenue in Nairobi's Central Business District (CBD).
The incident occurred on the evening of Friday, October 16, 2026, prompting calls for investigations into the circumstances surrounding the collapse and whether the demolition was conducted in accordance with safety regulations.
According to Nairobi City County Chief Officer for Citizen Engagement and Customer Service Geoffrey Mosiria, the collapse happened at night when there was minimal human traffic along the busy street, potentially preventing further casualties.
In a statement following the incident, Mosiria expressed relief that the building collapsed during the late hours, noting that the consequences could have been more severe had the incident occurred during the day when the area is typically crowded with pedestrians and motorists.
“We thank God the incident happened at night when there was minimal human traffic along the road, as lives could have been lost,” Mosiria said.
The four injured people were reportedly taken for medical attention. Initial reports indicated that three were in stable condition, while one was in critical condition. Further details about their identities and the circumstances under which they sustained injuries were not immediately available.
Mosiria called on county engineers to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the incident to establish what caused the building to collapse during the demolition exercise.
He said the probe should establish whether qualified professionals were involved in overseeing the demolition and determine whether all the necessary approvals had been obtained before the work began.
The county official also urged developers to comply strictly with county laws and safety requirements when undertaking construction or demolition projects.
He emphasised the need for developers to work closely with county engineers to ensure that demolition activities are properly supervised and that appropriate precautions are taken to protect workers, pedestrians and other members of the public.
“I call upon our county engineers to conduct a thorough investigation into this specific demolition to establish the cause of the collapse, determine whether qualified experts were involved to guide the demolition, and verify whether all the necessary demolition approvals had been obtained,” he said.
The incident has renewed concerns about safety standards in Nairobi's CBD, where construction and demolition activities take place in areas with high pedestrian and vehicular traffic.
Buildings undergoing demolition can pose significant risks if structural assessments, professional supervision and safety measures are inadequate. Authorities are therefore expected to establish whether the necessary precautions were observed at the former Club Avenida premises.
Mosiria appealed to all developers to prioritise public safety and adhere to the applicable regulations, warning that proper coordination with county engineers is essential in preventing accidents that could result in injuries or loss of life.
The circumstances leading to the collapse, including the demolition procedures used and the status of the required approvals, were yet to be established.
A comprehensive investigation is expected to clarify the cause of the incident and determine whether any parties bear responsibility for the collapse that left four people injured along one of Nairobi's busiest streets.
