Defence Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya has formally gazetted the deployment of Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) personnel to oversee the controlled demolition of a structurally compromised nine-storey building in Mombasa’s Fayaz Estate. The operation is scheduled for 8am on Wednesday, April 9, following a multi-agency assessment that declared the structure unsafe.
According to the gazette notice issued on April 7, the deployment is in line with Article 241 (3) (b) of the Constitution and sections of the Kenya Defence Forces Act. The building, located along Abdel Nasser Road, began sinking on April 2, endangering nearby residential and commercial properties. Investigations revealed that unauthorized borehole drilling into the building’s foundation led to the collapse of ground floor columns by approximately three metres.
Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir said the demolition was a necessary emergency response to prevent potential loss of life and damage to property. The decision was made after consultations involving the County Government, National Building Inspectorate, National Construction Authority, Public Works Department, and the KDF.
As part of the safety measures, a 1.2-kilometre radius around the demolition site has been evacuated. This area stretches from Digo Road to Hospital Road and includes busy zones such as Jomo Kenyatta Road, Mwembe Tayari, and Ronald Ngala Road. Traders were ordered to vacate by 2pm on Tuesday, while all residents within the zone were to leave by 6am Wednesday.
Additionally, 124 patients from the nearby Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital, including eight in the ICU, have been transferred to Utange and Port Reitz Hospitals. Another 380 patients were set for discharge by Tuesday.
Governor Nassir also announced a temporary closure of Nyali Bridge one hour before demolition to ensure public safety. KDF officers will manage the inner cordon, supported by the National Police Service and county inspectorate teams.
Emergency services from the county, Kenya Navy, and Red Cross are on standby, with Port Reitz Hospital designated as the main emergency centre.
Nassir urged full public cooperation and assured that debris clearance will begin once the military declares the area safe.
