A tragic fire swept through Kitui Village in Nairobi’s Pumwani district late Tuesday night, claiming six lives and leaving a community in mourning.
The devastating blaze, which occurred on November 19, also resulted in at least ten individuals, predominantly male, requiring hospitalization for serious injuries.The Kenya Red Cross reported treating sixteen people for minor injuries as emergency response efforts continued through the night. The inferno destroyed more than 50 residential structures, displacing numerous families and highlighting the persistent challenges faced by Nairobi’s informal settlements. Nairobi City County Fire Department and Kenya Red Cross personnel worked diligently to contain the flames, while simultaneously conducting search operations for missing residents.
Nairobi Police Chief Adamson Bungei notes the unprecedented scale of the tragedy, confirming that all deceased victims are male. Kamukunji Member of Parliament Yusuf Hassan characterizes the incident as one of the constituency’s deadliest fire disasters. He has offered condolences to affected families and acknowledges the ongoing emergency response efforts, including the transportation of injured residents to nearby medical facilities. The Nairobi County Government has committed to assessing the damage and supporting reconstruction efforts, while ensuring proper medical care for those hospitalized.
This incident reflects a broader pattern of fire-related challenges in Nairobi’s informal settlements, where emergency services report responding to daily fire incidents. The situation is exacerbated by the lack of accessible roads, which significantly hampers rapid emergency response. On Monday night, a devastating fire swept through the Mlango Kubwa area of Nairobi, leaving numerous families homeless. According to Kenya Red Cross officials and police, the cause of the blaze remains under investigation as confirmed by Nairobi police boss Adamson Bungei. No injuries were reported, though affected residents have appealed for assistance in rebuilding their structures.
In a separate incident in Kibiku, Kabete, eleven pigs perished in a fire at Gikuni village while the owner was away. Quick response from police, community members, and Kiambu County firefighters enabled the rescue of five goats. The cause of this fire is also under investigation.
