The today Kericho building collapse has left one person dead and three others injured after a two-storey structure under construction caved in at Chesanga area in Kipchebor Ward, Kericho County.
According to County Commissioner Jeremiah Mwai Gicheru, emergency teams responded swiftly to the scene, with rescue operations launched immediately after the collapse.
Authorities confirmed that three individuals who were initially feared trapped were successfully rescued from the rubble and rushed to nearby health facilities for treatment, while one person was pronounced dead at the scene.
Emergency responders, including the Kenya Red Cross Society, were present and worked alongside local authorities and residents to support the rescue efforts.
While investigations are ongoing, early indications suggest the collapse may have resulted from a combination of poor workmanship and the ongoing heavy rains being experienced across the region. Experts note that buildings under construction are particularly vulnerable if structural standards are not strictly followed, and heavy rainfall can further weaken foundations by saturating the soil.
In the wake of the incident, the National Construction Authority (NCA) and relevant county construction authorities have been called to task over their role in enforcing building standards and approvals. Questions are now being raised about whether the structure had the necessary approvals, whether inspections were conducted, and if compliance with safety regulations was adequately enforced.
The incident comes six years after the collapse of the Tebs View Apartment in Kericho Town, a tragedy that had previously exposed weaknesses in construction oversight and regulatory enforcement. Despite past warnings and reforms, the latest collapse suggests that challenges in monitoring and compliance may still persist.
Leaders and residents are now urging both the National Construction Authority and county governments to strengthen inspection regimes, enforce compliance, and hold contractors accountable. Authorities have confirmed that investigations are underway, and any individuals or entities found to have violated construction regulations could face legal action.
