Seven people are missing after a multi-storey building under construction collapsed in Eastleigh, Nairobi, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has said.
The 18-storey building under construction collapsed on Friday afternoon while 67 construction workers were at the site, according to Murkomen.
“All 67 workers have been accounted for,” he added.
Sixty-six escaped uninjured, while one sustained injuries and is in a stable condition in hospital.
Murkomen said 11 shops on the ground floor and in the basement were occupied at the time of the collapse.
Rescue teams have made contact with some of the seven people reported missing and are working to reach anyone who may still be trapped in the rubble, he said.
A multi-agency team comprising the Kenya Defence Forces, National Police Service, Nairobi City County Government, National Youth Service and Kenya Red Cross is leading the search and rescue operation.
Families searching for missing relatives have been urged to contact the Kenya Red Cross on its emergency response number, 1199.
Murkomen said the authorities were providing rescue teams with the support needed to speed up the operation.
Psychosocial support was also being arranged for those affected and their families.
The cause of the collapse will be investigated by national and county government agencies in collaboration with relevant professional bodies.
Murkomen said those found responsible would be held accountable.
He also expressed his condolences to those affected by the incident.
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