MOMBASA, Kenya, Apr 8 – The Mombasa County Government has announced plans to carry out a controlled demolition of a structurally unsafe nine-storey building located on Plot No. XLVI/195/MI, off Abdel Nasser Road.
The decision follows a detailed structural assessment by a multi-agency team, which included the County Department of Lands, Urban Planning and Housing, the National Building Inspectorate, the Kenya Defence Forces, and other relevant authorities.
The assessment confirmed serious foundational damage caused by unauthorized borehole drilling, resulting in the collapse of ground floor columns by up to three meters.
Authorities have declared the building structurally unsound, posing an imminent threat to human life and property.
In a statement issued today, Governor Abdullswamad Sharrif Nassir emphasized the gravity of the situation and the County Government’s commitment to safeguarding public safety.
“This is a life-saving operation. We cannot and will not compromise on the safety of our people,” the Governor said.
Key measures have been outlined in preparation for the demolition, scheduled for 8:00am tomorrow morning:
• Patient Relocation: Of the 504 patients at Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital, 380 are set for discharge. The remaining 124, including 8 in intensive care, are being relocated to Utange and Port Reitz Hospitals. Ambulances from the County Government, Kenya Red Cross, and the Kenya Navy are on standby.
• Mandatory Evacuation: A 1.2-kilometre radius around the site must be cleared. This includes parts of Digo Road, Hospital Road, Jomo Kenyatta Avenue, Mwembe Tayari, and surrounding areas up to Ronald Ngala Road. Beach Management Units have been asked to clear adjacent waters.
• Security Deployment: The Kenya Defence Forces will manage the inner cordon while the National Police Service and County Inspectorate enforce the outer perimeter. Traders within the zone have been instructed to vacate by 2:00pm today.
• Public Advisory: Nyali Bridge will be closed to all traffic for one hour before the scheduled demolition. Commuters are advised to plan accordingly. All County emergency response personnel on leave have been recalled.
• Community Engagement: Sub-county administrators and community health promoters have been tasked with household-level sensitization to ensure full compliance.
• Emergency and Recovery Plans: Port Reitz Hospital will serve as the primary emergency center. Debris removal and site restoration will begin once the military declares the area safe.
The County Government urges all residents to fully cooperate with the measures in place.
The operation is being undertaken with maximum caution to avoid injuries and ensure a safe environment for all.
