KDF explains their involvement in demolition of Mombasa 11-storey building
The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) has explained its involvement in the planned demolition of an 11-storey building in Mombasa County scheduled for Wednesday, April 9, 2025.
In a statement, KDF noted that the Ministry of Interior and National Administration contacted the military and requested their expertise in bringing down the building that was posing a danger to locals.
KDF honoured the request and is set to play a critical role in demolishing the said building.
“The Ministry of Interior and National Administration has requested assistance from the KDF through the National Disaster Operation Center (NDOC) in the demolition of an eleven (11)- storey building within Mombasa County,” KDF stated.
The military also justified the move, noting that it was fulfilling its secondary constitutional mandate to assist civil authorities in times of emergency and national need.
The operation
The operation is expected to take nearly 8 hours, as residents living nearby have been asked to vacate their houses in the Majengo area to allow a safe operation.
According to Mombasa Governor Abdullswamad Sheriff Nassir, critically ill patients at Makadara Hospital will be temporarily moved to nearby health facilities before the operation begins.
Acting under the direction and authority of the lead civilian agencies, KDF personnel are set to provide logistical and engineering support during the demolition, including deployment of technical expertise to safely demolish the structure.
“The operation is being carried out in close coordination with the County Government of Mombasa, the National Police Service, and the National Youth Service (NYS), ensuring a collaborative approach for effective execution of the task.
“Relevant authorities have ensured that the affected individuals were previously notified and given adequate time to vacate the premises,” KDF noted.
Speaking on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, Governor Nassir described the situation as a ticking time bomb, insisting on the need to bring the building down.
“We cannot afford to wait. This is a ticking time bomb. Our priority is to secure lives and prevent any further disaster,” Governor Nassir stated.
“All people nearby will have to vacate. This will not affect your house, but the tremors will affect your ears if you are nearby. Those who will do the work will have protective gear,” Nassir added.
The said building started showing structural weaknesses earlier this week, with residents saying that some parts of it were caving in.
This prompted the county to intervene and declare the area a no-go zone.
