The Engineers Board of Kenya (EBK) has commended Mombasa
Governor Abdulswamad Sheriff Nassir for taking swift and decisive action to
improve building safety in the county, following the release of a detailed
report into the collapse of an 11-storey building earlier this year.
The report, titled "Why the Building Collapsed – And
What We’re Doing About It", was unveiled on Friday, May 30, 2025.
It outlines key failures in structural oversight and
professional accountability, and names those found responsible for the tragedy.
In a statement issued Saturday, EBK Registrar and CEO Eng.
Margaret Ogai praised the governor’s leadership, calling his response “bold,
firm, and exemplary”.
“This is the kind of action we hope to see replicated in
other counties,” said Ogai.
“Governor Nassir has demonstrated that building safety is a
priority and that accountability in the construction sector is non-negotiable.”
The Engineers Board, which regulates the engineering
profession in Kenya, had engaged Mombasa County officials in February 2025.
The delegation, led by EBK Chairman Eng. Erastus Mwongera
and Eng. Ogai, shared professional recommendations to improve compliance with
national building standards.
According to EBK, meaningful reform hinges on a few critical
measures: ensuring that building designs and structural drawings are reviewed
by licensed, accredited engineers; integrating EBK and county systems to
authenticate professional credentials in real time; and maintaining clear
documentation of site supervision and statutory approvals.
“These are the basics of safe construction,” said Ogai.
“When shortcuts are
taken or unqualified individuals are involved, the results can be deadly.”
The collapse of the 11-storey structure shocked residents
and exposed deep-seated issues in the sector.
In response, Governor Nassir established a task force to
investigate the incident and recommend changes to prevent similar tragedies.
The report released Friday marks a public commitment to
transparency and reform.
EBK has pledged continued support to county governments
nationwide as part of its broader effort to enhance construction safety.
It also urged developers to engage only with engineers who
are licensed and gazetted annually by the Board.
“We will keep working with all counties to ensure the lessons
from Mombasa translate into safer buildings across the country,” said Ogai.
