Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) officers successfully supported the demolition of an 11-storey building that began sinking in Mombasa through a controlled Explosion.
This was after Defence Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya officially gazetted the deployment of the officers yesterday.
The building, located at Kilifi Corner, Fayaz Estate, along Abdel Nasser Road, started sinking on April 2, 2025, triggering mass evacuations of nearby residential and commercial premises, including hospitals.
The imminent threat of a collapse prompted urgent intervention by the national government.
The deployment was announced in a special edition of the Kenya Gazette dated April 7, 2025.
“The Kenya Defence Forces was deployed to assist the Ministry of Interior and National Administration and the County Government of Mombasa in the emergency response towards an eleven storey building situation at Kilifi Corner, Fayaz Estate along Abdel Nasser Road, Mombasa County, begun sinking on 2nd April, 2025, endangering adjacent residential and commercial buildings,” reads the gazette notice signed by Defence Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya.
After four and a half hours of meticulous planning, Kenya Defence Forces officers on Wednesday afternoon successfully demolished the condemned 11-storey building through a controlled detonation.
A portion of the building had already sunk after an unauthorized borehole was dug around its foundation.
All residents living within a 1.2-kilometre radius were ordered to vacate their homes, while businesses, schools, and hospitals in the area were also closed for safety.
The Nyali Bridge, which links Mombasa Island to the North Coast, was closed from 7:30am on both ends.
At around 1:30 pm police also closed Fidel Odinga Road in Nyali.
A single, powerful blast was heard at approximately 1:55 pm, and within seconds, the building crumbled — an operation that showcased KDF’s precision and military expertise.
Governor Nassir had announced by 9am on Wednesday that KDF officers were already on site and a command centre had been set up at Tononoka.
The blast had initially been delayed after authorities said that some residents had not yet evacuated the area.
“By this morning, at least 90 percent of residents within Tononoka Ward had vacated their homes. Police and other authorities are conducting a door-to-door operation to ensure complete evacuation,” Nassir said.
He added that the area is home to approximately 60,000 people.
More than 289 patients who had been admitted at the Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital were also evacuated and transferred to other county health facilities outside the Mvita area.
The decision was made under the provisions of Article 241(3)(b) of the Constitution and Section 34(2) of the Kenya Defence Forces Act, allowing the military to assist in national emergencies.
The developer of the building, Irshad Sumra says they lost Sh300–350 million in uninsured loans but are grateful no lives were lost.
"It’s a loss! We had spent around Sh300 million to 350 million, all through a loan and without insurance. But we’re grateful no lives were lost."
The building was near completion and was set for launch in July or August.
