The developer of the building that collapsed in South C, Abyan Consulting, has denied claims that the company disregarded approval regulations during construction.
In a statement, the company expressed concerns over some reports doing rounds on social media and mainstream media, terming them as doctored.
“We have noted various reports and doctored documents circulating on social media, mainstream media, and other platforms that are not factual which have caused public misunderstanding regarding the project’s approval and compliance status,” it read in part.
It explained that the building under construction, located near South C Shopping Centre and Nairobi South Hospital, underwent the required regulatory approvals, including Nairobi City County approvals, National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), National Construction Authority (NCA), and other national agencies.
“The Nairobi City County (Physical & Land Use Planning) approval application was submitted on October 18, 2023 under application number PLUPA-BPM-003455-N for a proposed mixed-use residential development. The approval was issued on December 19, 2023,” it explained.
Reports in the media divulged that the building was originally designed to have 12 floors but three more were added, which are claimed to have caused the collapse.
However, the developer disclosed that they got approval for the additional floors as well.
“Application for additional floors was submitted on January 31, 2025 for the three additional floors under application number PLUPA-BPM-006547-A. The approval was issued on February 13, 2025, the statement added.
The company’s Certificate of Compliance/Project Registration from the National Construction Authority (NCA) was issued on November 8, 2023 with the project registration number 53127715710739.
On the other hand, its National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) License was issued on February 16, 2024 under the license number NEMA/EIA/PSL/30870.
Following due diligence
Abyan Consulting elaborated that all other relevant approvals were sought and granted by their corresponding agencies, after which the project commenced in March 2024.
Furthermore, the company denied claims in the media that it had received stop orders during the course of the building’s construction and failed to obey them.
“The project was at all times supervised by licensed architects and engineers. During the life span of the project, various county and national agencies undertook the required supervisions. The company during the pendency of the project did not receive any stop order from the county government or any other regulatory body.”
A word to affected families
Abyan Consulting also conveyed condolences to the families, friends, and loved ones of those affected by the fatal collapse at its development site.
“We are deeply distraught for the pain and will continue to keep the families affected in our thoughts and prayers as we walk through this difficult time together.”
It added that it is fully cooperating with all investigative and regulatory agencies to establish the facts, determine the causes of the collapse, and support a transparent, independent investigation that ensures accountability.
“We are engaging and will continue to engage with the Nairobi City County, the relevant National Regulators, and investigative authorities including the Directorate of Criminal Investigation (DCI), and we will provide all documentation and support required to aid the investigations.”
It urged members of the public and the media to refrain from making speculative statements out of respect for the affected families and the integrity of the investigation in order to allow the relevant investigative agencies to carry out their mandate.
It remains to be seen how the case unfolds as sections of the public blame the developer and government agencies for the collapse, citing corruption in the approval processes of property developments.
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