Nairobi Regional Police Commander Issa Mohamud says police have launched a manhunt for the owner of the building that collapsed in Eastleigh, Nairobi, on Friday afternoon.

Speaking at the scene, Mohamud confirmed that the building was partially occupied, with tenants on the basement and ground floors.

Rescue teams from various agencies are racing against time to reach survivors trapped beneath the rubble.

Meanwhile, Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has called for amendments to the law to empower county governments to take legal action against those who flout building regulations.

“We have formally written to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, and we hope our request will be considered. Counties must be empowered to take firm action against rogue developers who disregard building regulations and put lives at risk,” Sakaja said.

The building collapsed at around 1 pm, with the Kenya Red Cross setting up a tent at the scene to support the emergency response and assist families searching for their loved ones.

The said 18-storey building under construction collapsed along 9th Street in Eastleigh, with fears that several people may be trapped in the rubble.

The number of people who may have been affected is yet to be established. 

Witnesses on the ground said there was chaos and looting had started, with thieves pelting stones at ambulances, forcing them to briefly divert before accessing the scene to start rescue operations.