The Nairobi County Government has shut down a construction site along Juja Road following multiple safety and environmental violations by a private developer.
In a statement released on Wednesday, October 4, Chief Officer for Environment Geoffrey Mosiria confirmed that the closure came after numerous complaints from local residents regarding falling debris and excessive dust from the site. Mosiria noted that the construction works had been proceeding without adequate protective barriers, posing serious risks to the surrounding community.
“Today, along Juja Road, we responded to persistent complaints from residents regarding a developer who was carrying out construction without proper protective measures,” Mosiria stated on his official X account. “Debris from the site was falling onto neighbouring properties, and dust was spreading into nearby homes and even hospitals, making it extremely difficult for residents to cope.”
The county official further revealed that the site will remain closed until the developer complies with all safety, health, and environmental standards as outlined by county regulations. In addition, one supervisor at the site was arrested for negligence.
Mosiria assured the public that his department will continue intensifying inspections and enforcement operations across the city to ensure all construction projects adhere to the required safety and environmental guidelines.
“We will not allow reckless developers to endanger the lives of Nairobi residents. Every construction site must meet the stipulated safety and environmental standards,” he emphasized.
The closure comes in the wake of a tragic incident in Kayole, where two pupils lost their lives and two others were injured after construction debris from a neighbouring site collapsed onto the Emmanuel New Life Learning Centre on Monday, October 6.
Reports indicate that the children were washing their hands after lunch when the debris suddenly fell, trapping them under the rubble. Images from the scene showed broken construction bricks scattered across the compound.
The injured pupils were rushed to Uwezo Clinic for first aid before being transferred to Mama Lucy Hospital for further treatment. Authorities have since launched investigations into the Kayole incident to determine whether the developer had adhered to existing construction and safety regulations.
The county government has reiterated its commitment to holding all non-compliant developers accountable to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
