KDF deployed to help in demolition of sinking Mombasa building

The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) officers have been deployed to Mombasa to assist in an emergency response after an eleven-storey building located at Kilifi Corner began sinking, raising serious safety concerns for surrounding residential and commercial buildings.

The deployment, announced in a special issue of the Kenya Gazette dated April 7, was authorized pursuant to Article 241 (3)(b) of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010 and sections 31(1)(a), (c), and 34(2) of the Kenya Defence Forces Act.

The potential collapse of the building, which has caused massive evacuations of even nearby hospitals, posed a significant threat thereby 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 signed by Defence Cabinet Secretary and Chairperson of the Defence Council Soipan Tuya.

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.

“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.”