By Maryanne
Published on April 8, 2025
Kenya Defence Forces and BATUK troops during a training exercise in Lolldaiga Ranch, Laikipia County. PHOTO/KDF
Table of Contents:
Government Deploys KDF to Support Emergency Operations
The Cabinet Secretary for Defence, Soipan Tuya, has officially gazetted the deployment of the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) to assist the Ministry of Interior and Mombasa County Government in handling an emergency. This follows the sinking of an eleven-storey building located off Abdel Nasser Road in Mombasa.
The building, situated on Plot No. XLVI/195/MI, began sinking on April 2, raising alarm among residents. The sinking has been attributed to unauthorized borehole drilling, which compromised the structure’s foundation. According to structural reports, the ground floor columns have dropped by nearly three meters.
Defence CS Soipan Tuya appears before the Senate plenary session on March 19, 2025. PHOTO/KDF
Controlled Demolition to Prevent Disaster
Authorities have confirmed that the structure is no longer safe for occupation and poses an immediate risk to lives and property. As a result, a controlled demolition is set for Wednesday, April 9 at 8:00 AM.
“Under Article 241 (3) (h) of the Constitution of Kenya and the Kenya Defence Forces Act, we have deployed the KDF to assist in emergency operations concerning the collapsing building,” stated CS Soipan Tuya in a gazette notice dated April 7, 2025.
Evacuation and Health Measures
The Mombasa County Government, led by Governor Abdulswamad Sheriff, has put in place several measures to ensure public safety:
- Patient Relocation: 504 patients at Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital are being relocated. 380 are set for discharge, while 124, including 8 ICU patients, will be moved to Utange and Port Reitz Hospitals.
- Mandatory Evacuation: A 1.2-kilometre radius has been marked for evacuation, including Digo Road, Jomo Kenyatta Avenue, and parts of Ronald Ngala Road. Adjacent beach areas will also be cleared.
- Traffic Control: Nyali Bridge will be temporarily closed one hour prior to demolition to prevent public interference and ensure safety.
KDF and Police Security Roles
The Kenya Defence Forces will secure the inner cordon of the danger zone while the National Police Service and County Inspectorate will handle the outer perimeter. Traders within the area have been instructed to vacate by 2:00 PM on April 8.
Public Advisory and Recovery Plan
All county emergency staff on leave have been recalled to assist. The government has designated Port Reitz Hospital as the primary emergency response center. Once the demolition is completed and the area declared safe by the military, cleanup and restoration efforts will commence immediately.
Community health promoters and sub-county administrators have been tasked with educating households on the importance of evacuation and following safety guidelines.
This incident highlights the need for strict enforcement of building regulations and prompt emergency preparedness. The KDF’s involvement underlines the gravity of the situation and the government’s commitment to protecting lives and property.
