A devastating fire tore through parts of Kibra in Nairobi late Monday night, leaving more than 100 families homeless and reducing homes and businesses to ashes. The blaze, which began around midnight, rapidly engulfed the densely populated informal settlement, fueled by strong winds and closely packed structures.
Residents were forced to flee with little more than the clothes on their backs, as flames consumed makeshift homes and small kiosks. Despite efforts by locals using buckets of water and sand to contain the fire, it spread uncontrollably before fire engines arrived on scene hours later.
Eyewitnesses reported hearing explosions from gas cylinders in homes, which intensified the blaze and heightened panic. Children and the elderly were rushed to safety as families scrambled to salvage whatever belongings they could.
By dawn, large sections of the settlement had been reduced to smoldering ruins. Makeshift shelters made from iron sheets, timber, and tarpaulins lay in charred heaps, leaving hundreds stranded in the open without food, clothing, or shelter.
Emergency responders and humanitarian groups began arriving at the scene Tuesday morning, distributing basic relief items including blankets, water, and food supplies. Local leaders have appealed for urgent government support to assist the affected families and help them rebuild their lives.
Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the fire, with early reports suggesting it may have been sparked by an electrical fault or an unattended cooking stove. Meanwhile, displaced residents are calling for safer housing conditions and quicker emergency response systems to prevent such disasters in the future.
