Investigations prompt suspension of 20 construction projects in Mombasa

Mombasa County has launched a sweeping crackdown following the demolition of a nine-storey building that resulted in the death of one man.

Governor Abdulswamad Nassir has announced the suspension of 20 ongoing construction projects believed to involve the same engineers, architects, and county officials tied to the now-demolished building.

The structure was brought down through a controlled demolition by Kenya Defence Forces experts after serious faults were discovered.

The collapse claimed the life of Yusuf Abdi, who was last seen entering the building just before it gave way.

Two county officials from the lands, housing, and urban planning department have also been suspended in connection with the failed project.

"One has already been sent on compulsory leave, and another one is going on suspension pending the finalisation of the report," Nassir said.

He addressed the concerns raised by Abdi’s family after retrieval efforts at the site paused for about four hours.

"In the process of that, samples of metals used from different columns had to be taken to ascertain what quality of work was done," he explained.

Nassir urged the public to remain patient as investigations continue.

"We cannot allow our emotions to get in the way and then someone is not held accountable. People should be held to account. There are no two ways about it."

The governor maintained that any officials or company directors found responsible will face the law.

"I will ensure that their practising licenses are revoked. And if need be, they will be charged for criminal liability," he said.

He intends to share the findings with other counties to prevent the same people from being hired elsewhere.

"I will send the final report to the Council of Governors and implore all governors not to give them any work."

The developer of the project has been kept out of the ongoing site cleanup to prevent tampering with evidence. County teams are handling the debris removal independently.

Meanwhile, at the Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital, where patients were evacuated ahead of the demolition, preparations to return them are in the final stages. Cleanup and fumigation have been completed.

"The cleanliness has been done. The fumigation is complete. Tomorrow, we are starting with the Intensive Care Unit patients and the High Dependency Unit patients," Nassir confirmed.

The hospital will reopen in phases, beginning with the most critical patients.

"We cannot open the whole hospital at the same time," he said.

Nassir also praised private hospitals for helping during the emergency.

"This is the spirit of working together," he noted.