The County Government of Mombasa has ordered the controlled demolition of a structurally compromised nine-storey building on Plot No. XLVI/195/MI, located off Abdel Nasser Road, after a multi-agency investigation confirmed its imminent risk of collapse.

Governor Abdulswamad Sherrif Nassir announced the decision on Tuesday, prompting evacuation and medical relocation efforts to protect residents.

The building’s severe foundational damage, caused by unapproved borehole drilling, was identified by a Multisectoral Agency Team including the County Department of Lands, Urban Planning and Housing, the National Building Inspectorate, the National Construction Authority, the State Department of Public Works, and the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF).

“This nine-storey structure has exhibited severe foundational compromise… with ground floor columns collapsing by approximately three meters,” Governor Nassir stated in a press release.

He added: “The building has been declared structurally unsound and poses an imminent risk to life and property.”

A mandatory evacuation zone spanning a 1.2-kilometre radius around the site has been established, adhering to international safety standards for explosive demolitions.

The zone covers key areas of Mombasa, including Digo Road, Jomo Kenyatta Road, Mwembe Tayari, and Tononoka Road, extending to Ronald Ngala Road and Solomon Castle Hotel.

Beach Management Units in nearby coastal waters have also been directed to comply.

The nearby Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital is central to the operation, with 504 patients affected.

“Out of which 380 are ready to be discharged,” the governor noted, adding that “the remaining 124 patients, including 8 in the Intensive Care Unit, are being relocated to Utange and Port Reitz Hospitals.”

Ambulances from the County Government, Kenya Red Cross, and Kenya Navy are facilitating the transfers.

“All traders within the marked zone are directed to vacate by 2pm today. This is a non-negotiable safety requirement” Nassir emphasized.

Security is tight, with the KDF set to man an inner cordon and the National Police Service, alongside the County Inspectorate, enforcing a secondary perimeter.

“The Nyali Bridge will be closed to all traffic for one hour prior to the scheduled demolition,” the County Boss said, urging commuters to adjust travel plans.

Governor Nassir has recalled all County emergency response staff from leave and mobilized Sub-County Administrators and Community Health Promoters for door-to-door sensitization.

“Port Reitz Hospital has been designated as the primary emergency response center in the unlikely event of any injuries,” he confirmed.

Post-demolition, debris clearance will begin once the military declares the site safe.

“I appeal to all Mombasa residents to treat this matter with the seriousness it demands. This is a life-saving operation. We cannot and will not compromise on the safety of our people,” the governor said.

The incident highlights ongoing safety concerns in Kenya’s construction sector, where rapid urbanization and lax enforcement have led to multiple building collapses.

The National Construction Authority (NCA), part of the team that assessed the Abdel Nasser Road building, has faced criticism for oversight gaps.