A catastrophic fire tore through the Laini Saba area of Kibra, Nairobi’s largest slum, on Wednesday evening, leaving more than 200 families homeless and causing extensive property damage.
The blaze, reported at approximately 7:00 p.m., rapidly engulfed several houses, destroying personal belongings — including electronics and furniture — as residents scrambled to safety.
No fatalities or injuries have been officially reported, but the emotional and economic toll on the community is profound.
According to posts, the fire razed approximately 50 homes, though local estimates suggest the number could be higher due to the densely packed nature of the settlement.
Residents lament the loss of their homes, including valuable items such as smart TVs, fridges, microwaves, laptops, and sofa sets. They also report that efforts to extinguish the fire were hindered by narrow roads, which prevented fire engines from accessing the scene.
The Kenya Red Cross issued a statement at 7:00 p.m. on 11 June, confirming that response teams were dispatched to the scene to assist with containment efforts and support affected residents.
Additionally, community-based disaster response teams, alongside the Nairobi City County Fire Brigade and local volunteers, worked to extinguish the flames, although challenges in accessing the area hampered efforts.
While the cause of the fire remains under investigation, early speculation points to faulty electrical connections — a recurring issue in Kibra’s informal settlements.
The Kenya Red Cross reports that they attended to eight casualties and are committed to conducting an assessment to determine the full extent of the damage and identify the immediate needs of affected families.
This latest incident follows a pattern of fire outbreaks in Kibra, with a similar catastrophe in Makina village on 24 May 2025 claiming eight lives — including a pregnant woman and seven family members — and destroying 40 households.
Kibra MP Peter Orero expressed condolences and called for urgent interventions to address the recurring fire outbreaks. “This is a heartbreaking moment for all of us in Kibra,” Orero said, echoing his statement from the May incident.
He further urged authorities to investigate the cause and implement long-term safety measures, such as improved electrical infrastructure and better access roads for emergency services.
However, the lack of disaster access roads — a long-standing issue in Kibra — was also highlighted by Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko in 2018 after a fire in Silanga claimed six lives.
Community members and emergency responders have been praised for their swift action, but residents are calling for government intervention to address the root causes of these frequent fires.
Notably, this disaster adds to the growing list of tragedies in Nairobi’s informal settlements, including recent incidents at Toi Market and Mashimoni.
– Jeremiah Richu
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