A massive fire tore through the Kichinjio area of Kibra, Nairobi, on the night of June 11, 2025, leaving more than 200 families displaced and destroying homes and businesses. The inferno, which spread rapidly through the densely populated informal settlement, has once again raised concerns about disaster preparedness and emergency response in the city.
The fire erupted under unclear circumstances, engulfing dozens of homes built with timber and other flammable materials. Residents attempted to contain the flames using buckets of water and makeshift tools, but their efforts proved futile. The narrow access roads prevented fire engines from reaching the heart of the blaze, further complicating rescue efforts.
Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic, with families scrambling to save their belongings while others fled for safety. “The fire trucks couldn’t get in. We were left on our own,” said Jane Atieno, a resident who lost both her home and food kiosk in the disaster.
Although no injuries or fatalities were reported, the economic and emotional toll on the affected families is immense. Many residents spent the night in the cold, with some seeking shelter under makeshift tents. The fire also destroyed small businesses, leaving many without a source of income.
This incident comes just weeks after another fire in Kibra claimed eight lives, intensifying scrutiny of the area’s vulnerability to such disasters. Community leaders have urged authorities to prioritize urban planning and improve road infrastructure to prevent similar tragedies in the future3.
Residents have appealed to the Nairobi County Government and the Kenya Red Cross Society for emergency aid, including food, blankets, and temporary shelter. The Kenya Red Cross has dispatched response teams to assess the damage and provide relief to affected families.
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,” he said, urging authorities to investigate the cause and implement long-term safety measures.
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