Roundup: Six killed as building collapses in western Kenya

At least six people have been confirmed dead while 44 others have been rescued alive after a 10-storey building that was under construction collapsed on Thursday in Kisii town in Western Kenya, officials said on Friday.

Pius Masai, the deputy director at the National Disaster Management Unit, said rescue operations were still ongoing on Friday with people believed to be trapped under the rubble.

"Search and rescue operations are ongoing. We are appealing to people with cutters, drillers to bring and support as more rescue have been sought from Nairobi," Masai said.

He said many people are suspected to have been trapped inside the building which has been condemned by the National Construction Authority (NCA) which had approved a three-storey building, but the developer went ahead and added seven more floors.

Government Spokesperson Eric Kiraithe said the government together with the county, the Kenya Police and Kenya Red Cross were conducting a search and rescue operation with extensive support from locals.

"We understand the deep concern of families and members of the public following this grievous event. We humbly ask that the public and media be patient with the difficult and ongoing rescue and recovery exercise," Kiraithe said.

Kiraithe said the owner of the building and the building's architect are also believed to have been in the building, though this has not been confirmed.

Kisii Governor James Ongwae said the county has mobilized rescue teams to evacuate casualties. "It is unfortunate this tragedy has happened in our county. I'm hoping that with the help of volunteers and our teams, we shall get everyone out," he said.

Survivor Lillian Achachi said she felt the building shake and scampered for safety.

She said many of her workmates on the second floor are still trapped. "I fear for the lives of my colleagues. I survived because I was on the ground floor," Achachi said.

Another survivor Robert Omwenga said, "Some floors sank before it collapsed. Some of the people injured were on the road."

David Ombogo said his sister Kerubo, who owned a shop in the building, was among those trapped in the rubble.

"I was informed Kerubo is still trapped inside. I have tried to call her but she is not answering my calls," he said. Endit