Nakuru Governor Lee Kinyanjui has warned residents to brace themselves for looming disaster after experts affirmed that the Central Business District and its environs are geologically unstable and are prone to volcanic faulting.
Kinyanjui detailed that he was considering a plan to evacuate occupants of tall buildings in the region, with the county listed as a high-risk region for major and minor earthquakes.
In a report by KNA on Thursday, May 4, the governor received a study conducted by KenGen and Geothermal Development Company (GDC) engineers who urged him to set up systems to monitor seismic activities in Nakuru.
"We will ensure that people move away from all structures that are on the path of the fault line after the study is carried out. This is a very serious matter that will impact negatively on the structural strength of most buildings," Kinyanjui stated.
The report also provided evidence that some areas had cracks and fissures which was a danger to tall buildings. Geologists warned that the buildings may collapse after a period of time.
"Legally, there is a limit on the height of buildings that should be constructed in Nakuru. Construction of buildings that have more than three storeys must have a report from a geologist.
"The affected areas will be beaconed to ensure that authorities make informed decisions before approvals for property developments are made in certain areas," Kinyanjui stated while addressing the media outside his office.
Several buildings in Nakuru have 12 storeys, as opposed to the Building and Construction Standards and Codes (BCSC) which recommends less than four-floors in the region.
Kinyanjui detailed that his government would restructure the County's engineering department and also employ more geologists who would ensure implementation of regulations on building construction.
"We will also bring on board the environment departments as experts have confirmed increasing storm drainage water that seeps into the ground and increases the risks significantly is as a result of the destruction of forest cover in parts of the county," he added.
