Nairobi  - Three people were confirmed dead and eighteen injured following a building collapse near the Kenyan capital Nairobi, with many more feared still trapped, the Kenyan Red Cross said Tuesday.

The Kenya Red Cross said the five-story building, which was under construction in the town of Kiambu, collapsed on Monday.

Rescue work was still ongoing Tuesday, although it was not clear how exactly how many people were trapped under the rubble.

There has been no official explanation for the collapse, although heavy rains may have been a contributing factor.

Building collapses are not uncommon in Kenya, as contractors cut corners to keep up with a construction boom in and around the capital. (dpa)