Residents of Jakaranda area in Watamu, Kilifi County mill around a five story building whose basement under construction collapsed on workers killing one of them on Monday, July 13, 2026. Photo by Ben Okweingoti. 
By Ben Okweingoti.
A construction worker was killed and several others seriously injured after a section of a five-storey luxury resort under construction at Twiga Beach in Watamu collapsed on Monday afternoon, reigniting concerns over the legality and safety of the controversial project.
The worker died on the spot when the basement section, where concrete was being poured, caved in during construction. Rescue efforts were immediately launched as emergency responders and members of the public searched for survivors amid fears that more workers could still be trapped beneath the rubble.
The incident attracted hundreds of onlookers, including beach operators, tour guides, tourists and residents from the surrounding area. By the time journalists arrived at the scene, the body of the deceased worker was still lying at the site awaiting removal.
Residents said they witnessed at least two injured workers being rescued from the debris and rushed to hospital for treatment, although the exact number of casualties had not been officially confirmed.
The building has long been the subject of controversy, with residents and environmental conservationists accusing the developer of constructing it within the legally protected 60-metre setback from the high-water mark. They allege that despite sustained objections from the local community, the investor obtained approvals to proceed with the development.
Ahmed Mohamed, a Watamu resident and engineer, blamed the collapse on what he described as poor construction standards and the use of substandard materials.
According to Mohamed, the contractor allegedly used reinforcement bars that were significantly smaller than those required for a structure of that magnitude, compromising the integrity of the basement.
He urged government authorities to immediately halt the project and demolish the remaining structure, warning that allowing construction to continue could result in an even greater tragedy.
Beach operator Hamisi Kombe also faulted the investor, accusing them of using improper means to secure approvals while disregarding public safety and environmental regulations.
Kombe questioned how authorities permitted the construction of a multi-storey building on what he described as riparian land, noting that the once-pristine beach is now littered with rocks excavated from the construction site.
He further claimed that the local community was never adequately consulted before the project commenced and had consistently opposed its development.
"The investor has not engaged the local community or involved us in any meaningful way despite our concerns," Kombe said.
The collapse is expected to intensify calls for investigations into the project's approval process, adherence to building standards and compliance with environmental regulations as authorities work to establish the cause of the tragedy.
