The government has pledged full support to the victims of the devastating fire that ravaged Mathare 4B estate in Nairobi earlier this week, leaving six people dead and dozens of families displaced.
Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku, during a visit to the affected area, assured residents that the government, through the State Department for Special Programmes, will cover all medical expenses for those injured and mortuary bills for the deceased.
“In times of tragedy, it is the government’s duty to ensure the safety and well-being of its citizens,” said CS Ruku. “That is why the President and his Deputy have sent me here, not only to offer condolences but also to deliver tangible support.”
In addition to financial assistance, Ruku announced that families who lost their homes and belongings will be provided with building materials to support reconstruction. Two churches destroyed in the inferno will also be rebuilt through government aid.
Accompanied by Mathare MP Anthony Oluoch, the CS also distributed emergency food supplies and essential items to displaced families. The response comes amid public outcry over the slow pace of emergency services in informal settlements.
Despite intervention by five firefighting trucks from the Nairobi County Government, the blaze caused extensive destruction. The incident has once again underscored the challenges faced in densely populated informal areas, including poor housing conditions, narrow roads, and inadequate drainage—all of which hamper emergency response efforts.
CS Ruku emphasised the need for long-term solutions to prevent future tragedies, citing the government’s broader plan to upgrade informal settlements through initiatives like the Mukuru Affordable Housing Project. “These projects aim to uplift living standards and reduce vulnerability to disasters,” he stated.
MP Oluoch commended the government’s swift and compassionate response, highlighting it as a demonstration of national solidarity in times of need. He also called for collaborative efforts to improve infrastructure and disaster preparedness in slum areas.
As affected families begin the painful process of rebuilding, the government’s commitment offers a glimmer of hope and a promise of recovery with dignity and support.
