The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) officers have been deployed to Mombasa to assist in an emergency response after an eleven-story building at Kilifi Corner began sinking, posing serious safety concerns for surrounding residential and commercial properties.
The deployment, which was announced in a special issue of the Kenya Gazette on April and signed by Defence Cabinet Secretary and Chairperson of the Defence Council Soipan Tuya, was authorized under Article 241 (3)(b) of Kenya’s 2010 Constitution and sections 31(1)(a), (c), and 34(2) of the Kenya Defence Forces Act.
The potential collapse of the building, which has resulted in massive evacuations of even nearby hospitals, posed a serious threat, prompting the national government to act.
“The Kenya Defence Forces was deployed to assist the Ministry of Interior and National Administration and the County Government of Mombasa in the emergency response towards an eleven storey building situation at Kilifi Corner, Fayaz Estate along Abdel Nasser Road, Mombasa County, begun sinking on 2nd April, 2025, endangering adjacent residential and commercial buildings,” read the gazette notice.
The operation to demolish the building will begin on Wednesday and is expected to take nearly 8 hours, as residents living nearby have been asked to vacate their houses in the area to allow a safe operation.
According to Mombasa Governor Abdullswamad Sheriff Nassir, critically ill patients at Makadara Hospital will be temporarily moved to nearby health facilities before the operation begins.
“People should not go to work 1.2 km near the building,” the Governor noted mentioning areas like Markiti market, Buxton and City Blue.
“All people nearby will have to vacate. This will not affect your house but the tremors will affect your ears if you are nearby. Those who will do the work will have protective gear.”
