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Probe into Nairobi slum fires that killed 15 in a week
Traders salvage items from burning debris after fire broke out at Gikomba market in Nairobi on May 18, 2025.
What you need to know:
- On May 18 a massive fire tore through Gikomba Market leaving traders counting losses worth millions of shillings.
- Another fire in Mathare 4B claimed six lives, including two Ugandan nationals, and left several others injured.
The government has begun investigations into the frequent fire incidents in Nairobi’s informal settlements following a spate of deadly blazes that left at least 15 people dead, dozens injured, and hundreds displaced within a week.
Between May 18 and 25, four separate fire outbreaks engulfed densely populated neighbourhoods in Mathare, Kibara, Gikomba market and Mukuru kwa Reuben.
A woman rummages through her burnt belongings inside her house after fire razed several houses in Makina, Kibera on May 24, 2025.
The worst occurred on Saturday (May 24, 2025) in Makina, Kibera where eight people - two men, two women, and four children - perished in the inferno. A few hours later, another fire incident took the life of a young child in Mukuru kwa Reuben.
Just five days before the scourge licked through Kibra and Mukuru, another fire in Mathare 4B claimed six lives, including two Ugandan nationals, and left several others injured.
Adding to the crisis, on the morning of May 18 a massive fire tore through Gikomba Market, destroying dozens of stalls and leaving traders counting losses worth millions of shillings.
Although no fatalities were reported, at least five people were injured while trying to salvage their goods. The fire, which started around 4:30am, spread rapidly due to flammable materials and poor access routes.
A man attempts to extinguish flames after fire broke out at Gikomba market in Nairobi on May 18, 2025.
Traders accused authorities of negligence and lamented the lack of a permanent fire station nearby, despite repeated incidents over the years. Many are now demanding compensation and concrete measures to protect the market, which serves as a critical economic lifeline for thousands.
In a statement on Saturday, Nairobi Regional Commissioner Katee Mwanza condoled with the families who have lost their loved ones in the fire incidents, while confirming that a probe had commenced to establish the reason for the frequent fires.
“Investigations into the causes of these fires are ongoing with a view to establish accountability and improve fire safety interventions in vulnerable situations,” Mwanza said.
He also revealed that the government’s immediate response has involved coordinated efforts by the National Disaster Operations Centre, Nairobi County emergency services, and multi-agency security teams. These entities have been deployed to all affected areas to support rescue missions, coordinate relief, and provide temporary shelter for the displaced.
Emergency supplies, psychosocial support, and assistance with identifying the deceased have also been mobilised, while survivors undergo rapid assessments to determine their specific needs. Authorities have pledged to ensure a dignified handling of all remains and continuous support to bereaved families.
Area residents of in Makina, Kibera inspect damage on their houses following a fire incident on May 24, 2025.
The fires have cast a harsh spotlight on the chronic vulnerabilities of Nairobi’s informal settlements, where overcrowding, poor infrastructure, and lack of emergency access routes exacerbate the scale and impact of such disasters.
Mwanza acknowledged these structural challenges and said the government is working on a long-term disaster preparedness strategy. These strategies include establishing early warning systems, conducting community fire safety training, and enhancing collaboration with county governments to strengthen disaster risk reduction and mitigation.
“The government remains committed to safeguarding lives and property, including instituting safety measures aimed at forestalling cases of fires in the future,” Mwanza said.
He also urged Kenyans to remain vigilant, report potential fire hazards, and cooperate with local officials to adopt basic safety measures.