The Institution of Engineers of Kenya (IEK) has called for urgent nationwide construction safety audits and independent investigations following two building-related tragedies in Syokimau and Riverside that reportedly claimed at least nine lives within two days.
The institution also linked the latest tragedies to the October 23, 2026, Eastleigh building collapse, which resulted in eight confirmed fatalities, warning that recurring construction failures demanded immediate national intervention.
“Enough is enough,” IEK declared, calling on government agencies, regulators, developers and construction professionals to address weaknesses across the building sector.
The institution said it had deployed structural engineers to the affected sites immediately after the incidents to assess the situations and support rescue teams.
IEK also conveyed condolences to families who lost relatives and wished those injured a speedy recovery.
The engineers’ institution cautioned against drawing conclusions about the causes of the two latest incidents before independent technical investigations are completed.
It noted that the Syokimau and Riverside incidents involved different construction activities and should therefore be examined separately.
In Syokimau, IEK said preliminary technical assessments pointed to the temporary structures supporting the concrete slab as a key area requiring investigation.
“In Syokimau, our preliminary assessment indicates that investigations should focus on the temporary works supporting the slab (formwork, falsework and vertical props), including their design and pre-pour inspection, and on the concrete placement procedures,” the statement read.
For the Riverside incident, the institution said investigators should examine the support system around the excavation and its retaining walls, which failed during construction.
“In Riverside, attention should be given to the system supporting the excavation and its retaining walls, which failed during construction. The adequacy of that system and of the construction method must be thoroughly examined,” IEK stated.
However, the institution emphasised that the observations were preliminary and did not establish responsibility.
“These are preliminary technical observations, not conclusions on cause or responsibility. Accountability must be based on independent, evidence-based investigations,” the statement added.
IEK called on the National and County Governments, National Construction Authority (NCA), Engineers Board of Kenya (EBK), Directorate of Occupational Safety and Health Services and National Building Inspectorate to take coordinated action.
The institution also wants appropriate action taken against individuals or companies found responsible for negligence, professional misconduct or failure to comply with statutory requirements.
It further urged authorities to require developers to engage registered professional engineers for project design and supervision throughout construction until an Occupation Certificate is issued.
On workers’ safety, IEK called for strict compliance with Occupational Safety and Health requirements, including the provision of personal protective equipment and the employment of skilled workers.
“Enforce compliance with approved designs, project registration requirements, professional site supervision and statutory safety requirements, with particular attention to geotechnical investigations, excavation safety, temporary works design and pre-concreting inspections,” the institution stated.
It also proposed coordinated, risk-based inspections of high-risk construction projects across the country and a national review of construction safety regulations, inspection and enforcement mechanisms.
The institution maintained that developers, contractors and building owners must comply with legal, regulatory and technical requirements, including engaging competent and registered professionals throughout construction.
“Any member of IEK whose engagement on a project ends before construction is complete should promptly notify NCA, EBK and the relevant County Government,” the statement read.
The institution’s intervention comes amid renewed scrutiny of construction safety following the successive incidents, with its demands placing responsibility on regulators, county governments, developers and professionals to strengthen oversight and prevent further loss of life.
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