The Architectural Association of Kenya (AAK) has condemned the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) for charging members of the Nairobi City County Urban Planning Technical Committee (UPTC) over the South C Building collapse.

• The collapse of Manzil Towers on January 2, 2026, claimed the lives of two security guards.
• AAK argued that the UPTC provides technical advice but lacks final decision-making authority for development approvals.
• The association stated that statutory approval power rests with the County Executive Committee Member, not the technical committee.
• AAK called for the withdrawal of charges, asserting that accountability should follow authority.

The Architectural Association of Kenya (AAK) is condemning the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution (ODPP) for charging members of the Nairobi City County Urban Planning Technical Committee (UPTC) in the Manzil Tower collapse case.

• 37 individuals, including county officials and architects, were charged by the ODPP in connection with the collapse.
• The AAK argues that the UPTC is an advisory body with no approval authority, making the charges against them misplaced.
• According to the AAK, statutory approval power rests with the County Executive Committee Member (CEC), who can override technical recommendations.