Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Sheriff Nassir has been lauded by the Engineers Board of Kenya (EBK) for his decisive action to improve building standards in the county following the collapse of an 11-storey building earlier this year. The tragic incident, which exposed glaring lapses in structural integrity and regulatory compliance, prompted the formation of a special task force to investigate the disaster.
On Friday, May 30, 2025, Governor Nassir unveiled the task force’s report titled “Why the Building Collapsed – And What We’re Doing About It”. The report identifies key failures in oversight, pinpoints individuals responsible, and outlines sweeping reforms aimed at restoring accountability and safety in the construction sector.
EBK Registrar and CEO Eng. Margaret Ogai hailed Governor Nassir’s leadership as “bold, firm, and exemplary,” noting that such commitment to transparency and reform should serve as a model for other counties. “Governor Nassir has demonstrated that building safety is a priority and that accountability in the construction sector is non-negotiable,” she said in a statement released on Saturday.
The EBK, which regulates the engineering profession in Kenya, had earlier engaged Mombasa County officials in February 2025. Led by Chairman Eng. Erastus Mwongera and Eng. Ogai, the Board provided recommendations to strengthen adherence to national building standards.
According to EBK, meaningful change requires several critical reforms: ensuring only accredited engineers handle building designs and structural drawings, integrating EBK systems with county platforms to verify professional credentials in real-time, and maintaining transparent documentation of site supervision and statutory approvals.
“These are the basics of safe construction,” said Ogai. “When shortcuts are taken or unqualified individuals are involved, the results can be deadly.”
In reaffirming its commitment to safer construction practices, EBK also urged developers and contractors to work exclusively with engineers licensed and gazetted annually by the Board. The Board pledged continued collaboration with county governments to ensure similar tragedies are averted across the country.
Governor Nassir’s bold stance marks a turning point for construction oversight in Mombasa, signaling a clear commitment to public safety and professional accountability.
