Residents of Kabete, Kiambu County have expressed concerns over the lack of regulation and oversight following a recent alarming development where a three-floor building, still under construction, has been teetering on the verge of collapse.
The situation unfolded early Thursday morning when the building began losing its firmness, leading to the dislodgement of several construction materials that fell to the ground.
Images circulating online depict the building tilting dangerously on one side, with the foundation of the ground floor being severely compromised.
The potential collapse of this building poses a significant threat to nearby apartments, putting the residents at great risk and potentially rendering them homeless.
The situation is further worsened by the building's proximity to power lines, heightening the risk of potential damage to the electrical infrastructure in the event of a collapse.
The gravity of the situation prompted the local Member of the County Assembly (MCA) to visit the scene and assess the extent of the danger.
In the wake of this incident, a section of Kenyans has voiced their concerns, particularly targeting the contractor whom they accuse of cutting corners during the construction process.
Simultaneously, there is a wave of empathy for the building owner who stands to suffer a substantial financial loss due to this unfortunate turn of events.
Additionally, there is a growing chorus of discontent among the residents, reflecting on the alarming trend of building collapses in Kiambu over the past few months.
"This is in Kiambu again, I think there are people who people lazing at their jobs," one person remarked.
When a similar incident was reported earlier in the year, Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi ordered an audit of all buildings in the county.
At the time, a building in Thindigua developed cracks forcing the tenants to move out.
According to the Department of Lands, Housing, Physical Planning, Municipal Administration, and Urban, the cracks were linked to foundation failure.
