Residents and scavengers search for metals and other reusable or recyclable materials at Makongeni Estate along Jogoo Road, Nairobi, on November 26, 2025. The demolition and eviction exercise carried out despite a High Court order halting it is intended to pave the way for the government’s planned affordable housing project. Wilfred Nyangaresi | Nation
A coordinated disaster response, rescue and recovery operation was conducted in Makongeni, Nairobi, following the collapse of a slab that buried several individuals yesterday. Two people were confirmed dead.
Makadara Deputy County Commissioner, Philip Koima, said the incident occurred shortly after the demolition of structures in the estate to pave the way for the government housing project.
He added that though the official demolition and moving of tenants had been completed, the site remained accessible to the public, with some frequenting the area in search of scrap metal.
“It was during one of these episodes that the slab collapsed, trapping an unknown number of people beneath the rubble,” the administrator said.
Witnesses said they heard a cracking sound just before the slab gave way. A man who arrived at the scene shortly after the collapse said:”People have been going there for scrap metal daily.We kept telling them that the place was not safe.
Soon after the incident was reported, the Disaster Operations Centre activated its teams.
“We could not afford delays since lives were at risk,” Mr Koima said.
He added that firefighters from the devolved government of Nairobi and teams from the Makadara Sub-County Security Committee also took part in the search and rescue operation. The rescue personnel cordoned off high-risk sections.
Heavy machines-including excavators and cutting tools, were deployed to lift the concrete slabs and twisted metal.
The teams applied a combination of manual and mechanical tools to dig through the debris, while others controlled the crowd and handled logistics.
A member of the fire crew said, “The ground was unstable. Every move had to be calculated. We were afraid another section could collapse while we were still inside.”
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