A massive fire erupted on Friday afternoon, engulfing the top floor of a high-rise building along Kumasi Road in Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD). The blaze destroyed several shops, causing significant damage to property and sending shockwaves through the bustling commercial heart of the city.
The fire broke out adjacent to the Barkat Biashara Mall and directly opposite the Simba Coach booking centre. Thick black smoke billowed into the air, attracting a large crowd of onlookers and prompting an urgent emergency response. Firefighters rushed to the scene and battled the fierce flames, working tirelessly to contain the inferno and prevent it from spreading to nearby buildings. Business owners in the vicinity quickly shut down their shops, fearing further destruction.
Despite the rapid response, the full extent of injuries or casualties remains unclear, as authorities have not yet confirmed any deaths or serious injuries. However, the economic losses are already considerable, with millions of shillings’ worth of property believed to have been destroyed in the blaze. Traders whose businesses were affected have called on the government for immediate intervention and support, emphasizing the need for better emergency preparedness in the CBD.
Videos shared on social media captured dramatic scenes of the burning building’s top floor, showcasing emergency personnel coordinating rescue operations amidst the chaos. Some passersby appeared unfazed by the crisis, continuing with their daily routines just meters from the flames, highlighting the contrast between the emergency and normal city life.
A police officer at the scene stated, “We’re still assessing the situation. For now, we are focused on ensuring everyone is safe and the fire does not spread to nearby buildings.” The cause of the fire is still unknown, and investigations are ongoing to establish what sparked the devastating event.
This incident has reignited calls for the Nairobi City County government to enhance fire safety measures and emergency response protocols within the CBD. Traders and residents alike are urging authorities to implement stricter safety regulations and provide adequate resources to prevent similar disasters in the future. As Nairobi continues to grow as a commercial hub, ensuring the safety of its businesses and citizens remains a critical priority.
