A family in Nairobi’s South C estate is mourning the tragic loss of three young children who died in a fire incident early Thursday morning. The devastating blaze broke out around 1 a.m. at Huda Apartments, located along Ole Shapara Road, claiming the lives of three boys aged between two and five years.
Police and emergency responders arrived swiftly at the scene. Nairobi police boss George Seda confirmed that the children had succumbed to suffocation before they could be rescued. Two teenage girls and three other boys were pulled from the apartment by firefighters and locals and rushed to a nearby hospital. The girls remain in intensive care.
Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the fire, which remains unknown. Forensic experts are combing the scene to determine the source of the blaze.
This incident is the latest in a series of fatal fires that have rocked Nairobi in recent months. Just days earlier, a couple died in a separate fire on the fourth floor of an apartment building in Kawangware. In May 2025, fires in the informal settlements of Kibera, Mukuru Kwa Njenga, and Mathare claimed at least 15 lives, including children.
Nairobi Regional Commissioner Katee Mwanza expressed concern over the recurring tragedies and emphasized the need for stronger fire safety awareness and preparedness, particularly in densely populated areas. “We urge all community members to remain vigilant, report hazards promptly, and work with local authorities in implementing basic fire safety measures,” Mwanza said.
He acknowledged that challenges such as poor road infrastructure and limited access for emergency services continue to hinder timely response efforts in informal settlements.
The government, Mwanza added, is prioritizing the rollout of early warning systems, public training on fire safety, and improved coordination with county governments to reduce risks and save lives.
As investigations continue, the affected family remains shattered by the loss of their children, highlighting the urgent need for both preventive measures and responsive infrastructure to address the rising number of urban fire incidents in Nairobi.
