Over 200 families have been left homeless after a massive fire swept through the Kichinjio area of Kibra Sub County in Nairobi on Wednesday night. The blaze, which erupted in the densely populated informal settlement, destroyed dozens of homes and several business premises, forcing residents to spend the night in the cold.
Eyewitnesses recounted harrowing scenes as the fire quickly engulfed structures made primarily of timber and iron sheets. Many were unable to salvage their belongings. “It spread very fast. We tried to put it out with water and sand, but it was too much,” said one resident.
Efforts to contain the inferno were severely hampered by narrow and inaccessible roads, which made it difficult for firefighting engines to reach the scene promptly. By the time the fire was brought under control, large sections of the neighborhood had been reduced to ashes.
Authorities confirmed that no injuries or fatalities were reported, offering some relief to the affected community. However, the incident comes barely weeks after eight people died in a separate tragedy in the same area, raising renewed concerns over safety and emergency preparedness.
In the aftermath, displaced families are now calling on the Nairobi County Government and humanitarian agencies, including the Kenya Red Cross, to provide urgent assistance in the form of food, shelter, and basic supplies.
Local leaders have echoed these calls, urging swift intervention to support the affected families and prevent further hardship. Investigations into the cause of the fire are currently underway.
Written By Rodney Mbua
