The Architectural Association of Kenya (AAK) has sounded the alarm on construction site safety following a fatal slab collapse at an active site along 3rd Parklands Avenue and Mpaka Road on February 11, 2025. The incident, which occurred at 5:50 PM, claimed one life, underscoring the urgent need for stricter adherence to safety standards, accountability, and oversight in Kenya’s construction sector.
In a press release dated February 13, 2025, AAK expressed its deep concern over the tragedy. “This unfortunate incident, which claimed one life, underscores serious concerns regarding construction workmanship, adherence to safety standards, and accountability in the event of such incidents,” the statement read.
Following the collapse, AAK dispatched an independent investigative team on February 12, 2025, to determine the cause. Their findings pointed to serious structural integrity issues, including poor formwork erection and bracing, improperly placed props, and a lack of horizontal bracing in the hybrid support system. The report also noted “scaffolding around the site was incomplete and discontinuous, compromising worker safety”, and alarmingly, “no site supervisor of construction works was present at the time of the incident.”
In response, AAK has issued several recommendations to prevent future tragedies. “Mandated agencies must conduct a structural audit to thoroughly examine the factors that led to the collapse,” the statement urged. The association also emphasized the need for continuous scaffolding, routine site inspections, and stricter penalties for non-compliance, including legal action and site closures for developers who fail to meet safety standards.
AAK reaffirmed its commitment to advocating for safe construction through its Mulika Mijengo Initiative, which empowers the public to report unsafe construction practices. “We remain committed to advocating for safer building practices, which empower the public to report unsafe construction practices,” AAK President Arch. Florence Nyole stated.
AAK urges developers and contractors to prioritize safety protocols and engage professional oversight to prevent further tragedies. For more information on AAK’s safety initiatives, visit www.aak.or.ke.
