On April 8, 2025, the Kenya Defense Forces (KDF) were deployed to assist the Interior Ministry and Mombasa County government in the planned demolition of a sinking 11-storey building located at Kilifi Corner, Fayaz Estate, Mombasa. The building had been declared unsafe for occupation, prompting authorities to take immediate action to prevent potential casualties. This exercise has affected many daily activities and access to amenities such as health services the coast general hospital where all patients were evacuated, Nyali bridge which is the main entrance to Mombasa Island from North coast areas including Malindi, Watamu, Kilifi and Lamu. Any activities within a radius of 1.2 Kilometers to the building were stopped and the residents were given earlier notice to vacate the premises.
The Mombasa Majengo and marikiti Markets were also closed.
This initiative is part of a broader crackdown on unsafe and illegal constructions in Mombasa. In December 2024, the Mombasa County government announced plans for an extensive operation to inspect construction projects across the county. The focus was on identifying structures built with substandard materials, poor workmanship, or those obstructing water pathways, all of which pose significant risks to residents.
The urgency of these measures was underscored by several incidents in 2024. In November, a building under construction in the Majengo area collapsed, leading to rescue operations for trapped workers. Additionally, in May 2023, a four-storey building near the Mackinnon Market in Mombasa collapsed shortly after tenants were evacuated, highlighting the critical need for stringent enforcement of building regulations.
The deployment of the KDF for the demolition at Kilifi Corner reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring public safety by addressing the challenges posed by structurally unsound buildings in Mombasa.
