Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has pledged full support to victims of the Kibra fire that killed eight people and left over 20 others injured in the early hours of Saturday, May 24.
Speaking during a service at AIC Kibra on Sunday, Sakaja announced that the county government would cover all hospital and funeral expenses for the affected families.
“We will waive all hospital bills, and they will not be charged for anything at the mortuary,” said Sakaja. “We will also cater for the burial plans and the coffins even as we help them rebuild.”
The governor also called for urgent reforms to address illegal electricity connections in informal settlements, which are often blamed for deadly fires.
“Otherwise, we will have a fire every day. And those living there will never notice,” he warned. “There are models used globally for safe social connections to power. That is the solution we ask for.”
The fire broke out at around 5 am in the Makina area while many residents were asleep. Kilimani police commander Patricia Yegon confirmed that eight people died and seven others were admitted to Kenyatta National Hospital with serious burns.
Witnesses said the fire claimed seven members of a single family and a pregnant woman. The exact cause of the fire remains unknown, and investigations are ongoing.
Area Member of Parliament Peter Orero confirmed the tragedy and noted that a rapid response team had been deployed to support the affected families.
“Six individuals – a man, two women, and three children – sustained serious burns and have been rushed to the hospital for urgent medical attention,” said Orero. “Our thoughts and prayers are with them as they fight to recover.”
Orero added that the government would provide counselling, medical care, and other essential support to help the victims and their families cope with the tragedy.
