Architects Reveal 5 Blunders That Led to Death of 4 Workers at Sewer Line in Nairobi

The Architectural Association of Kenya (AAK) on Friday called for swift action following the death of four people at a sewer line in Shauri Moyo, Nairobi.

In a statement, the architects accused the site contractor of negligence by failing to provide his workers with the requisite protection gear.

AAK in its findings noted that the site was unsecured at the time of the incident and that the loose red coffee soil contributed to the collapse.

The architects also claimed that the decision by the contractor to allow his employees to work at night also posed a huge risk for the workers.

An excavator at a construction site in Kenya.

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Construction Kenya

“This unfortunate incident claimed four lives, raising grave concerns about safety standards at construction sites and the accountability of those responsible,” noted the architects in a statement.

“Formwork erection and bracing were inadequately executed, raising concerns about construction,” the statement added.

According to AAK, the decision to allow an open sewer channel to flow directly into the excavation site demonstrated a lack of proper planning for temporary solutions during the works.

While insisting on the matter, the engineers demanded that the site contractor be identified and held accountable for the deaths and injuries caused.

The Nairobi County Government was also urged to immediately secure the site to prevent further risks to residents and commuters.

“Built environment state agencies must enforce stringent safety protocols at construction sites, ensuring full compliance with excavation and site management standards as mandated,” AAK noted.

The Association further called for a thorough investigation into the hiring process used to recruit the contractor and that future vetting of site contractors be stringent.

“This incident highlights the critical need for rigorous site inspections, strict safety protocols, and compliance with regulations in construction projects across Kenya,” the architects stated.
 

Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja inspecting the construction of Karen Market on 22 August 2024

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Johnson Sakaja