Residents of Iten, in Elgeyo Marakwet County, on Thursday October 24, 2024 raised concerns after a three-story building under construction suddenly collapsed.

The building, being constructed by the county government, partially caved in due to weak foundations, according to witnesses.

A rescue team was quickly sent to the scene, and all builders trapped under the rubble were safely evacuated. No one was injured during the incident.

Residents expressed anger, blaming poor workmanship and materials used by the contractor.

They said they had warned the county government about the risks but no action was taken.

One resident said, “We want to tell the County Government that you have failed us. You could have killed more than 1,000 women if the building had collapsed after completion.”

Another added, “The contractor didn’t even hire locals for the job. He brought in people from Nairobi.”

Images shared online showed part of the building damaged, while the rest stood with support from wooden pillars.

The building, a modern market intended to serve over 3,000 traders, was set to be completed by the end of the year.

Reports indicate that the government had spent Ksh50 million for the construction of the building that collapsed.

The site was inspected two weeks ago by county officials and approved, raising questions about their oversight.

Meanwhile, Keiyo North sub-county commissioner Julius Maiyo, along with security officers, stopped angry residents from attacking the contractor.

However, police have launched investigations into the matter.