The government has officially ordered the withdrawal of Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) personnel who had been deployed to assist in the emergency demolition of a structurally unsafe building in Mombasa County.
In a gazette notice dated May 9, Defence Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya confirmed that the military officers were recalled to their respective barracks after successfully completing the demolition of the seven-storey building located at Kilifi Corner, within Fayaz Estate, along Abdel Nasser Road.
The deployment was aimed at safely bringing down the structure, which had started sinking and posed serious risks to neighboring homes and businesses.
The decision to demolish the building was made on April 2, 2025, after experts observed that the structure had become unstable and could potentially collapse, threatening lives and nearby properties.
Residents in the area raised concerns about the possibility of fatalities and major damage if the building was not handled promptly.
“In accordance with Section 34 (3)(a) of the Kenya Defence Forces Act, it is hereby notified that the deployment of KDF personnel in response to the emergency at the eleven-storey building located at Kilifi Corner, Fayaz Estate, on Abdel Nasser Road, Mombasa County, which began sinking on April 2, 2025, has officially ended as of April 9, 2025,” Tuya’s notice stated in part.
The controlled demolition, which took place on April 9, was the first of its kind in Kenya involving military personnel.
The government moved quickly to avert a disaster, prompted by the urgent concerns of residents who feared for their safety and property.
Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Sherrif Nassir said the foundation of the building had been severely weakened, largely due to illegal borehole drilling that interfered with its structural integrity.
He added that the columns on the ground floor had sunk by nearly three meters, further destabilizing the building and making it unfit for occupation.
In the days leading up to the demolition, residents living close to the doomed building were ordered to evacuate immediately.
A coordinated operation involving several government agencies was launched to ensure public safety, following Tuya’s directive to deploy the KDF.
During the demolition process, the Kenya Defence Forces worked alongside officers from the National Police Service (NPS) to maintain order, secure the area, and ensure that people and their belongings were safe. Their joint effort was praised for minimizing risks and ensuring a smooth operation.
CS Tuya defended the government’s decision to deploy the military, saying it was fully in line with the law. She cited Sections 31(1)(a), (c), and 34(2) of the Kenya Defence Forces Act, which allow KDF to support other national agencies in times of emergencies and disasters.
Additionally, authorities in Mombasa advised vehicle owners to park their cars at designated safe zones like Mama Ngina and Ronald Ngala Grounds to prevent damage from potential flying debris or falling objects during the demolition.
The deployment of KDF officers during emergencies is permitted under Article 241(3)(c) of the Kenyan Constitution and the Kenya Defence Forces Act (2012), especially in situations like natural disasters, health emergencies, or public safety threats.
This can be done without prior approval, as long as the deployment is later reported to Parliament.
Furthermore, the law under Section 34(3)(a) of the Kenya Defence Forces Act requires that once the military’s assistance is no longer needed, the Defence Cabinet Secretary must publish a formal notice in the Kenya Gazette to officially end the deployment—just as was done in this case.
The Mombasa building incident highlights the government’s commitment to public safety and its readiness to act swiftly when lives and property are at risk.
It also showcases the importance of proper building standards and the dangers of unregulated construction practices.
Join Gen Z New WhatsApp Channel To Stay Updated On time https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaWT5gSGufImU8R0DO30
