NCA Orders Demolition of Unsafe Four-Storey Building in Gitaru, Kiambu

Standfirst / Dek

Inspector teams found a four-storey building in Gitaru with ground-floor columns buckled due to substandard materials. Evacuation and a full structural audit have been initiated to protect neighbouring buildings and enforce safety laws.

1) The Latest

• What happened now: On September 8, 2025, quality assurance inspectors from the National Construction Authority (NCA) discovered severe structural defects in a four-storey building under construction on Plot No. 3438, Gitaru, Kikuyu Sub-County, Kiambu. Ground-floor reinforced concrete columns were buckled. On September 10, Kiambu County issued a demolition permit. Adjacent buildings have been evacuated. 

• Why it matters: Risk of collapse threatens lives, property, and exposes systemic failures in construction quality and regulatory compliance.

• Status: Confirmed; demolition permit granted; multi-agency structural audit ongoing. 

2) Context in Brief

• Urban expansion in Kiambu has increased demand for housing and commercial buildings, often with pressure to cut costs.

• Previous incidents in Gitaru and Kiambu (e.g. building collapses) have raised alarms over use of substandard materials and lack of enforcement. 

• National Building Code and NCA regulations require prior approvals, quality materials, and certified professionals.

3) Law, Policy, and Process

• Constitution/Acts: National Construction Authority Act; Building Code Regulations; Kenya Standards Act; also relevant are laws on public safety.

• Jurisdiction & Mandate:

  • NCA is mandated to ensure compliance with construction standards across Kenya.

  • Kiambu County Government issues building permits and carries out local regulatory enforcement.

  • Engineers Board of Kenya (EBK) regulates professional practice.

• What should happen next per law:

  • Immediate structural audit by NCA in partnership with county, EBK, National Building Inspectorate.

  • Legal sanctions against contractors and engineers responsible.

  • Demolition of unsafe structure in accordance with permit.

  • Compensation or protection measures for affected residents.

4) Voices and Stakeholders

• Maurice Akech, Executive Director, NCA: “Several reinforced concrete columns at ground level are under severe stress, have buckled and are on the verge of total collapse.” 

• Kiambu County Government: Granted demolition permit; cooperating in audit. (Statement via NCA) 

• Local residents: Express fear; recall previous building collapses; call for stringent enforcement and qualified contractors. 

5) Evidence & Data Box

• Numbers:

  • One building: four storeys.

  • Construction permit missing / unauthorized.

  • Several ground-floor columns found buckled.

• Documents:

  • Inspection report by NCA Quality Assurance team (8 Sept 2025).

  • Demolition permit issued by Kiambu County on 10 Sept 2025.

• Verification: Information confirmed via NCA press release and local media reporting.

6) Risks, Implications, Scenarios

• Safety: Immediate collapse risk could cause fatalities or damage to neighbouring properties.

• Governance/Economy: Erosion of trust in regulatory bodies; possible financial losses for occupants and property investors.

• Legal: Contractors may face prosecution, fines, license revocation; may trigger wider inspections across sector.

7) What We Don’t Know Yet

• Identities of the contractor(s) and engineer(s) responsible.

• Whether occupant relocation support will be offered.

• Timeline for full demolition and completion of audit report.

• Whether Kenya’s enforcement of the new National Building Code 2024 will be assessed / strengthened as result.

8) Timeline

• 2025-09-08: NCA inspection finds structural defects. 

• 2025-09-10: Kiambu County issues demolition permit. 

• 2025-09-11: Public statements; evacuation of neighbours; multi-agency audit underway. 

9) What to Watch

• The official audit report and its recommendations.

• Legal proceedings against those in charge.

• County and NCA enforcement of permits in other areas.

• Public feedback and pressure for stronger regulatory oversight.

10) Related Coverage

• “One person dead, four trapped as three-storey building collapses in Gitaru, Kiambu” 

• “Building collapse and safety standards: What the National Building Code 2024 requires” (explainer)

• “How substandard materials lead to building failures in Kenya” (feature analysis)

Corrections / Updates Log

• 2025-09-11 18:00 EAT: First publication of demolition permit and statements.