The Institute of Quantity Surveyors of Kenya (IQSK) has called for a thorough, independent and transparent investigation into the collapse of a multi-storey building in Eastleigh, Nairobi, and for the mandatory involvement of qualified quantity surveyors at every stage of construction.
In a statement dated Oct. 25 and signed by its President, QS Janet Chirchir, the institute said the building collapsed on LR No. 36/II/40, along 9th Street, Eastleigh, in Kamukunji Sub-County.
IQSK extended its sympathies to “the affected families and all those injured, displaced, or otherwise impacted by this tragic incident.” It also said it stands with emergency response teams working on rescue and recovery.
“Building safety must never be compromised, and human life must never be placed at risk in the pursuit of profit, speed, or cost reduction,” the institute said. It added that the tragedy “underscores the urgent need” for strict compliance with building regulations, approved designs, construction standards and professional requirements.
The institute argued that registered and qualified quantity surveyors should be actively involved throughout construction. Their role, it said, is essential in preventing cost-cutting that compromises quality and in ensuring adequate resources go to approved materials, skilled labour and proper construction processes.
“Cost-cutting must never come at the expense of quality, structural integrity, or public safety,” the statement said.
IQSK urged the National Construction Authority (NCA), the Nairobi City County Government, the Board of Registration of Architects and Quantity Surveyors (BORAQS), the Engineers Board of Kenya (EBK) and other authorities to investigate the circumstances of the collapse. Where negligence, professional misconduct or regulatory non-compliance is established, it said, “appropriate action must be taken.”
It also asked the authorities to strengthen building approvals, inspections, monitoring and enforcement, particularly in densely populated urban areas, and to ensure that buildings raising safety concerns are promptly assessed.
IQSK said it remains committed to working with government agencies, regulators, professional bodies and industry stakeholders to strengthen professional accountability and promote a safe, compliant and resilient built environment.
“The safety of our built environment is a shared responsibility. Human life must always come first,” the statement concluded.
