In a bombshell rebuttal, Abyan Consulting Limited, the firm behind the 16-storey building that tragically collapsed in South C estate, has fired back at allegations of missing permits, branding circulating reports as “inaccurate” and founded on “doctored documents.”
The developer issued a forceful statement on Monday, asserting that the ill-fated project cleared every regulatory hurdle and secured full approvals from key county and national bodies before a single brick was laid.
Dismissing widespread social media claims and some media reports that the tower was built without proper authorisation or flouted safety rules, Abyan declared the accusations have “caused public misunderstanding” and vowed the truth would prevail.
The company laid out a detailed timeline of approvals:
– Nairobi City County granted physical and land use planning permission on December 19, 2023, following an October 2023 application for a mixed-use residential development on plot L.R. No. 209/5909/10.
– Permission for three extra floors was approved on February 13, 2025, after a January 31, 2025 submission.
– The National Construction Authority (NCA) registered the project and issued a certificate of compliance on November 8, 2023.
– The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) granted an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) licence on February 16, 2024.
“All other relevant approvals were sought and granted by their corresponding agencies,” the firm stated emphatically.
Amid the ongoing multi-agency probe into the collapse – with no official cause yet released – Abyan extended heartfelt condolences to bereaved families and praised the heroic efforts of rescue teams, first responders, medical staff, volunteers, and the public during the frantic search and recovery operation.
As investigations continue, this staunch defence raises fresh questions: were the initial alarm bells over permits completely unfounded? Watch this space.
