Several feared trapped as four-storey building collapses in Kisii

Onlookers at a scene where a building collapsed in Itierio, Kisii county on April 6, 2025. PHOTO/HANDOUT.

Several people are feared trapped after a four-storey building under construction collapsed in Itierio, Kisii County, on April 6.

The building, which was still under construction, caved in, trapping an unknown number of people, including construction workers and nearby residents.

Itierio is located about 15 kilometers from Kisii Town along the Kisii-Migori Highway, adjacent to Suneka Market.

Emergency response teams from the police and the Kisii County Government have been mobilized and are currently engaged in rescue operations.

Those rescued from the rubble have been rushed to various hospitals in Suneka and Kisii Town as rescuers race against time to save lives.

According to an incident report, the building also collapsed onto neighboring houses and businesses near Itierio Mixed Primary School in Suneka.

“Kisii County emergency rescue teams have arrived at the disaster scene in Itierio, Suneka, where scores are feared trapped following the collapse of a storey building. Businesses around the area have been affected, with reports of looting,” the report stated.

The Kisii county government is expected to issue a statement later on April 6 to provide details about the incident.

This incident comes just three days after the evacuation of residents from an 11-storey building in Mombasa, near Coast General Hospital, after cracks were discovered in the structure.

The cracks sparked fears of a possible collapse, following weeks of heavy rainfall in the region.

The evacuation in Mombasa was coordinated by county officials and national security teams led by Coast Regional Commander Ali Nuno.

According to Mombasa County Fire and Disaster Chief Officer Ibrahim Basafar, the building's basement had caved in, prompting immediate evacuation.

"The residents were evacuated at night. The building was still under construction, despite already being occupied," Basafar said.

"You can see here—one floor has already caved in, including the basement. The building is visibly slanted, and upon close observation, it's clear the structure was not constructed with proper dimensions," he added.