Tragedy struck in Kayole, Nairobi, when two pupils lost their lives and two others were seriously injured after being hit by falling stones from a nearby high-rise building under construction. The pupils, all in PP2 at Emmanuel New Life Academy Nyaura, were washing their hands at a tap within their school compound when the accident occurred shortly after midday on October 6, 2025.
Witnesses said the stones suddenly dropped from the upper floors of the adjacent building, striking the children without warning. The incident caused panic and grief as teachers and parents rushed to the scene, hoping to rescue the young victims. The four pupils were rushed to Mama Lucy Hospital, where two were pronounced dead on arrival. The other two sustained severe injuries and were admitted in critical condition, awaiting transfer to Kenyatta National Hospital for specialized treatment.
The heartbreaking event sparked outrage among residents, who demanded accountability from the developer and local authorities. Locals accused the contractor of neglecting safety protocols at the construction site, pointing out that no barriers or warning measures had been put in place to protect those nearby, including schoolchildren.
Residents also criticized county officials for allowing construction to continue so close to a school without ensuring adequate safety measures. They called for the suspension of the project until investigations are complete and safety regulations are enforced.
Police officers, accompanied by officials from the Nairobi County Government and the National Construction Authority (NCA), visited the scene to assess the situation and begin investigations. Nairobi police commander George Seda confirmed that a team had been dispatched to establish the circumstances leading to the tragedy and to take appropriate legal action against those responsible.
The bodies of the deceased pupils were transferred to the mortuary pending autopsy and further investigation. Meanwhile, grief and anger continued to mount in the Kayole community, with parents demanding justice and better oversight of construction activities in residential and school zones.
Fatal accidents at construction sites have become increasingly common in Nairobi and other urban areas. Experts have long warned that lax enforcement of safety regulations, lack of protective gear, and disregard for building standards contribute to such incidents. Many attribute the recurring tragedies to greed among developers who prioritize profit over human safety.
Authorities have pledged to enhance inspections and enforce stricter penalties to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
