Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has taken decisive action by ordering a comprehensive audit of all buildings approved for construction within the last two years.

During the launch of a project in Mlango Kubwa on Wednesday, May 8, Sakaja emphasized the importance of ensuring safety standards in construction projects across the city.

A newly appointed task force will conduct the audit, focusing on assessing the safety of buildings and the quality of materials used during construction.

Sakaja underscored that developers found to have obtained permits through fraudulent means or used substandard materials will face legal consequences.

Furthermore, county officials implicated in approving buildings that fail to meet required standards will also be held accountable.

In a proactive move, Sakaja temporarily suspended the approval of new building projects until further notice to ensure ongoing safety assessments.

"I have also formed a task force that will scrutinize buildings approved in the last two years. Anyone found to have cut corners in the approval process or compromised on materials will face consequences. The law must be upheld," he declared.

Sakaja has engaged with various professionals to explore strategies for preventing future building collapses within the city.

In response to concerns about the impact of rainy seasons on construction integrity, the governor imposed a ban on all excavations, citing risks to surrounding buildings' stability.

He also highlighted the alarming trend of developers employing unqualified personnel for constructing multi-story buildings and urged architects and engineers to uphold professional standards.

"I have instructed architects and engineers that if they are removed from a construction site, they must report to their professional body to ensure accountability," he added.

Sakaja's directives come in the wake of a residential building collapse in Uthiru, Kiambu County, where thankfully all occupants were safely rescued.