Eastleigh road reopens after building collapse ends rescue operations

Authorities in Eastleigh, Kenya, reopened 9th Street to motorists and pedestrians after a building collapse on October 23 caused a lengthy closure.

The road serves as a major business corridor connecting Yusuf Haji Avenue to Second Avenue. The closure lasted more than two weeks while a multi-agency team conducted rescue operations to find people trapped under the rubble. Local traders and residents resumed their daily activities following the reopening.

Business owners like Abdullahi Mohamed and Salim Abdullahi reported that the closure caused financial losses and forced them to suspend operations or find temporary spaces. Some tenants at an adjacent damaged building also began moving their belongings out of the premises. Residents also expressed relief at the removal of security restrictions. During the rescue mission, security officers restricted access to nearby homes and required people to present residency documents to enter the area.

Sowda Abdirahman said the reopening allowed her to move freely without these measures. Engineers continue to assess the site, which remains cordoned off with iron sheets.