Residents of Muruku Kwa Njenga slums in Nairobi are counting losses after a fire razed homes and churches near Muhindi Mweusi Supermarket in the early morning of Tuesday August 6, 2024.

Fire outbreaks are common in most Nairobi’s informal settlements that are characterized by congestion and poor sanitation.

According to reports, the fire erupted around 1am, and consumed a wide area, despite the efforts of local residents to contain it.

The exact value of the damaged property remains unclear although area residents reported that ten blocks were reduced to ashes during the incident.

At the same time, the slum dwellers blamed the Nairobi City county team for failing to respond on time, during the fire tragedy.

This comes just three days after another fire incident at Toi Market in Kibra constituency where several businesses were destroyed. 

The cause of the fire is still unknown but police have launched investigations into the matter.

Meanwhile, Mukuru residents who have long advocated for improved fire safety measures in the slum urged the Nairobi governor Johnson Sakaja to ensure a proper fire station is established in the area.

“There’s even an idle piece of land behind Villa Police Station that could be used for establishing a fire station, yet nothing has been done,” said one of the Mukuru residents.

The delay in the arrival of Nairobi’s fire services worsened the situation, as residents battled the flames with whatever means available.