Architect reveals lapses that failed ill-fated building

Rescue operation at the site of the collapsed building in South C , Nairobi, on January  7, 2026.  [Elvis Ogina, Standard]

As investigations into collapse of a 14-storey building in South C intensify, the project’s architect has exposed a pattern of developer-driven failures that point to impunity, professional sidelining and disregard for safety.

In a detailed statement, architect Gideon Mwangi attributes the disaster to a series of actions by the developer that compromised professional oversight and, consequently, the building’s structural integrity.

Mr Mwangi said the architectural design commenced around February 2023 and carried through up to September 2023. “Following this, and with the client’s consent, I assembled the project design team and commenced preparation and submission of statutory approvals,” he narrated.

By December 2023, most approvals had been secured and the project registered with the National Construction Authority (NCA), with Eng Peter Kimani Kireru listed as the structural engineer during the approval stage.

But barely a month after NCA approval, the developer abruptly made partial changes where he replaced the consultant team, including the structural, mechanical, and electrical engineers. Engineer Daniel Odhiambo was subsequently appointed and submitted fresh applications to Nairobi City County.

This change potentially created a critical break between the professionals who designed and secured approvals for the building and those brought in midstream to execute it.

NCA records, seen by The Standard, still list Mwangi as the architect on record, Peter Kimani as the engineer, and James Kirika as the quantity surveyor, highlighting inconsistencies between official documentation and what happened on the ground.

Mwangi notes that during construction, he remained involved as the architect, alongside Odhiambo as the structural engineer. However, the developer chose not to retain the quantity surveyor for construction and supervision phase, removing a key professional layer of cost control, material oversight, and accountability.

The architect further reveals that the developer later pushed to extend the building beyond its originally approved height. He said he sought written confirmation from the engineer regarding the structural feasibility of the building before proceeding.

Odhiambo, the engineer, authorised up to four additional floors. Mwangi states that he exercised restraint and applied for only three extra floors, on top of the previously approved ground and eleven floors.

“Construction of the approved additional floors and façade works was completed and terminated around the end of October 2025. At the time of the incident, the building comprised 14 floors above ground level, together with two basement levels,” the architect added.

In a letter seen by The Standard, Eng Odhiambo had written to the county applying for four extra floors, assuring officials that the columns and foundations could support them and that the additional levels would be residential only.

“Therefore, the developer can proceed to add not more than four typical levels without affecting the structural integrity of the building,” reads the letter by Odhiambo, emphasizing that the project followed the detailed drawings and quality control of materials undertaken.