Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has pledged full support for the families affected by the tragic fire that killed eight people in Kibra Sub-County on Saturday morning.
The governor announced that the Nairobi County Government will cover all medical bills, mortuary charges, and burial expenses for the victims. Speaking during a church service in the heart of the affected area, Sakaja said no family would bear the financial burden alone.
“We will waive all hospital bills and they will not be charged for anything at the mortuary. We will also cater for the burial plans and the coffins even as we help them rebuild,” he assured.
The fire, which broke out at around 5am, swept through the densely populated neighborhood, reducing dozens of homes to ashes and leaving scores displaced.
As rescue teams and investigators continue to assess the extent of the damage, Governor Sakaja took the opportunity to call for urgent reforms in how electricity is accessed in informal settlements.
“Otherwise, we will have a fire every day. There are models used globally to provide safe power connections to underserved communities. That is the solution we ask for,” Sakaja stated, warning that illegal power lines are time bombs in urban slums.
The bodies of the deceased have been moved to the City Mortuary pending identification and post-mortem examinations. Meanwhile, the county is working with other agencies to investigate the exact cause of the fire.
The tragedy has reignited debate on urban planning, disaster preparedness, and equitable access to services in Nairobi’s informal settlements.
