What we know so far: Sinking Mombasa building demolished

The condemned  11-storey  building at Bondeni in Mombasa County on April 9, 2025. [Courtesy]

The condemned 11-story building located at Kilifi Corner along Abdel Nasser Road in Mombasa has been brought down by the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF). 

A loud blast was heard some minutes past 1.00 pm. 

Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Sheriff Nassir, speaking at the site this morning, said the building’s fall was expected to have an impact, but no casualties are projected owing to evictions leading to today’s exercise.

Although most residents had vacated ahead of the demolition, a few were still leaving as the exercise started Wednesday morning.

11-storey building in Mombasa successfully brought down by the KDF

Video by Tobias Chanji pic.twitter.com/s3utsvmzeq

— The Standard Digital (@StandardKenya) April 9, 2025

 “We thank Mombasa residents for their cooperation. The majority have temporarily vacated, and we remain on course to restore normalcy by this afternoon,” said Governor Nassir. 

Mombasa residents at Marikiti waiting for the bombing of the condemned  11-storey  building on April 9, 2025. [Kelvin Karani, Standard]

“We will likely hear a loud thud. This is a controlled demolition, so we don’t expect much impact.” 

The operation is expected to last eight hours.

Authorities estimate it will take about an hour for the dust cloud to settle once the structure collapses.

Activities within a 1.2-kilometer radius of the building have been suspended. 

Nyali Bridge, a key link in and out of Mombasa Island, has also been closed for the duration of the exercise to prevent accidents.

Emergency teams, including fire engines and ambulances, have been deployed and remain on standby. 

Security has been reinforced by personnel from the National Youth Service (NYS), Kenya Army, Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), and the National Police Service (NPS).

Mombasa County Commissioner Mohammed Noor assured residents of their safety, noting the multi-agency coordination.

“We request those who were evacuated to wait for our communication on when to go back to the buildings. We also urge patience from those who will be stuck at various traffic points,” said the commissioner.

The building’s demolition marks one of the most high-profile controlled explosions in Mombasa’s history, coming amid growing scrutiny over construction standards in rapidly urbanising areas.