Deaths at Worksite and Playground: Nairobi Falls, Naivasha Lightning Claim Three Lives
A series of tragic accidents in Kenya have raised urgent concerns over safety standards at construction sites and the vulnerability of school-going children to natural disasters.
In Nairobi’s Kariokor area, a 37-year-old female worker, Linet Maina, died on Wednesday morning after falling from the fifth floor of a building under construction along General Waruinge Road. Maina, among 20 workers at the site, reportedly slipped through a void and landed on the second floor, suffering fatal injuries. Her body was taken to City Mortuary for a postmortem. Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.
In a related tragedy, 42-year-old Frankline Makori died on Tuesday, May 6, after falling from the seventh floor of a building under construction on Galore Street, Eastleigh. Makori, who was working as a mason, reportedly lost his footing while on duty. He was rushed to a nearby hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival. Following the incident, police ordered the temporary closure of the site pending investigations.
These incidents underscore growing concerns over occupational safety in Kenya’s booming construction industry. Despite repeated calls from labor rights groups and safety advocates, the enforcement of safety standards remains weak, leaving workers highly exposed to life-threatening hazards.
Meanwhile, in Naivasha’s Kapkures area, an 18-year-old boy tragically lost his life after being struck by lightning while playing football with classmates at Rainedge Secondary School. The incident occurred during rainfall. The student was rushed to Koki Clinic in Elementaita but was declared dead on arrival. Several other pupils sustained injuries but were treated and discharged.
Local leaders are now urging the installation of lightning arrestors and better disaster preparedness in schools across rural areas to prevent similar tragedies.
The recent spate of fatalities has sparked renewed calls for stricter enforcement of occupational safety laws, enhanced inspection of construction sites, and improved disaster response mechanisms in public institutions.
Authorities have pledged full investigations into all three incidents.
In other news:EXCLUSIVE: Businessman Robbed of Sh7 Million After Leaving Nairobi Bank
Deaths at Worksite and Playground: Nairobi Falls, Naivasha Lightning Claim Three Lives