A devastating fire broke out early Sunday morning in the Kawangware area of Nairobi, claiming one life and leaving several others injured. The blaze, which erupted on the fourth floor of a four-storey residential building in the Congo area near Stage 2, is suspected to have been caused by an electrical fault.
According to police and eyewitnesses, the fire began around 2:00 am, rapidly spreading through the building. Thick black smoke quickly engulfed the surrounding area, sending residents into a panic as they attempted to flee the inferno. Nairobi fire engines responded within minutes, working to contain the flames and prevent further destruction.
Nairobi police boss George Sedah confirmed the fatality and noted that a number of injured individuals were rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment. “We can confirm one fatality for now. Some were also injured and taken to the hospital,” he stated. The deceased’s body was taken to the mortuary, pending an autopsy and further investigations.
This incident adds to a growing list of fire tragedies in Nairobi’s informal settlements, where residents often grapple with poor infrastructure and limited access to emergency services. In May 2025 alone, fires in Kibera, Mathare, and Mukuru Kwa Njenga claimed at least 15 lives.
Nairobi Regional Commissioner Katee Mwanza expressed deep concern over the recurring fires and reiterated the government’s commitment to disaster risk reduction. “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 noted that the government is focusing on early warning systems, community training, and improving coordination with county governments to enhance emergency preparedness. Mwanza also acknowledged that inadequate road infrastructure in informal settlements severely hampers emergency response efforts.
As investigations into the Kawangware fire continue, officials are urging residents in high-risk areas to embrace fire safety practices to prevent similar tragedies in the future. The incident is a stark reminder of the urgent need for comprehensive disaster preparedness measures across Nairobi’s informal settlements.
