By Ongaga Ongaga
The Institution of Engineers of Kenya (IEK) has raised concerns over structural defects observed in apartments at Karibu Homes in Athi River, Machakos County.
The outfit also called for comprehensive investigations to establish the safety of the affected buildings after engineers visited the development following media reports about the defects and found cracks in Blocks M, N and P within London Court.
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The development comprises 500 residential units spread across 63 apartment blocks. IEK said residents in some of the affected units had already vacated their homes over safety concerns.
According to the engineers, some of the cracks were first noticed in 2019 and have continued to widen, raising concerns about possible differential settlement, where sections of a building’s foundation sink unevenly.
“Structural cracks were observed in Blocks M, N and P within London Court,” IEK said in a statement issued on October 2, 2026.
The engineers also identified concerns with stormwater management around some of the affected buildings. They said parts of the drainage system appeared poorly constructed, while roof downpipes discharged water close to building foundations.
IEK said persistent accumulation of water could, over time, weaken the soil supporting the foundations.
The inspection also found significant damp-related deterioration at the lower sections of some external walls. The engineers said the damage appeared consistent with prolonged exposure to standing water, although further assessment would be required to determine its extent and structural impact.
IEK, however, cautioned against drawing conclusions on the cause of the defects before detailed investigations and tests are completed.
“IEK does not draw conclusions on the cause of the observed defects at this stage, until the necessary investigations and tests have been completed,” the institution said.
The proposed investigations will examine the adequacy of the foundation systems and supporting ground, compliance of construction with approved structural designs, concrete quality and strength, reinforcement, construction methods and the timing of formwork removal.
Engineers will also examine whether any alterations were subsequently made to the buildings in ways that could have affected their load paths, as well as the adequacy of professional supervision and quality-control processes during construction.
Geotechnical investigations
IEK has recommended destructive and non-destructive structural tests on the affected blocks, with the findings shared with residents and relevant authorities.
It has also called for a comprehensive geotechnical investigation to establish the adequacy of the foundations and guide any repair or strengthening works.
The Residents Association and management committee have further been advised to improve stormwater management around all the buildings to prevent water from accumulating near foundations.
IEK recommended that Blocks M, N and P remain vacant until repair and strengthening works are safely completed.
The institution said the visual inspection findings were preliminary and that the full technical investigations would be necessary to determine the condition and safety of the affected buildings.
