A devastating fire swept through a densely populated informal settlement in Nairobi early Saturday morning, leaving at least eight people dead and several others injured, according to local authorities.
The blaze erupted around 5:00 am local time (0200 GMT) in the Makina area of the Kenyan capital, a district known for its overcrowded living conditions and limited infrastructure.
Police officer Patricia Yegon confirmed the fatalities, stating, “Eight people were burnt to death, while several others sustained injuries.” However, she did not specify the number of those injured in the incident.
The exact cause of the fire remains unknown, but such tragedies are sadly common in Nairobi’s informal settlements, where flammable materials, poor electrical wiring, and lack of access to emergency services contribute to frequent and deadly fires.
The Kenyan Red Cross reported that approximately 40 homes were damaged or destroyed before emergency responders, aided by local residents, managed to bring the flames under control.
Investigations into the cause of the fire are expected to follow, as families begin the grim task of recovering from the loss of loved ones and rebuilding what remains of their homes.
