An 11-year-old boy tragically died on Monday, September 22, after a fire engulfed several houses in the Kanuku informal settlement in California, Kamukunji Constituency.
The blaze, which broke out in the densely populated area, destroyed multiple homes and left several families displaced, while one other person sustained injuries.
Emergency response efforts were hampered as Nairobi County fire engines struggled to reach the scene due to narrow and inaccessible roads within the settlement.
Eyewitnesses reported that the fire spread rapidly through the makeshift structures, with residents rushing to salvage their belongings amid the chaos.
Videos shared on social media show towering flames and thick smoke engulfing the settlement, highlighting the scale of the destruction and the vulnerability of residents living in informal housing.
Kamukunji Member of Parliament Yusuf Hassan confirmed the death of the young boy, identified as David Munene, calling the incident another devastating tragedy in the area.
He urged authorities to implement measures to prevent such disasters and improve emergency response in informal settlements. “This is a heartbreaking event, and it underscores the need for better infrastructure and fire safety measures in our densely populated communities,” Hassan said.
Fire experts have noted that informal settlements are particularly prone to such tragedies due to poorly constructed homes, lack of accessible roads, and limited firefighting resources.
They emphasise the need for community awareness, fire safety education, and proactive government interventions to prevent further loss of life in similar areas.
About The Author
