Wall Collapse Near Governor’s Office

Residents of County apartment complex face substantial losses as a perimeter wall gave way, damaging four personal vehicles, including models from Toyota to Subaru.

These cars were parked adjacent to the Kafel Apartment, a multi-story building that neighbors the administrative block of Kitui Governor Julius Malombe.

Heavy rainfall on Monday appears to be the catalyst for this unfortunate incident, as it contributed to the wall’s collapse.

All the cars were badly damaged from the impact of the concrete wall which showed smashed windows, mangled bodies and totally shattered rear windshields.

It is, however, unclear whether property within the compound of the governor’s administration block were also damaged.

Experts reckon that wall collapses after a heavy downpour are highly likely caused by poor drainage around the structure or poor structural engineering.

In the case of poor drainage, water collects against a concrete foundation and retaining walls. Over time, the water may build up the volume to cause problems attributable to lateral and hydrostatic pressure.

The damage came at a time when Kenya Meteorological Department cautioned of increased rainfall with El Nino season expected to last between October and December. In some regions, the effect will still be felt in January 2024.

In a weekly update on Tuesday, the department listed areas expected to experience storms as well as those wreathing under high temperatures that have hit 30 degrees Celsius.

The department revealed that rainfall is expected to continue over several parts of the country between Tuesday, October 17 and Monday, October 23.

As a result, some areas including the Highlands East and West of the Rift Valley, the Lake Victoria Basin, North-eastern and North-western Kenya will experience isolated storms in the week under review.