CS Ruku visits Kibra fire victims, pledges state support

The Cabinet Secretary for Public Service, Human Capital Development and Special Programmes Geoffrey Ruku has pledged government support to victims of a fire incident that left over 200 people homeless in Mukungu village, Kibra, Nairobi County.

Speaking on Thursday, Ruku said the government will provide emergency relief to affected families.

“The government will provide emergency relief aid to the families to assist them in getting their lives back track,” he said.

He was accompanied by Kibra MP Peter Ochieng.

The CS noted that incidents of fires have become very common in the informal settlements, especially in Nairobi but the government is committed to ending such tragedies and to protect lives and properties of citizens.

Ruku added that the affordable housing projects in the informal settlements spearheaded by President William Ruto are a sustainable solution to such incidents.

He said the housing project will ensure the lives and properties of Kenyans are protected while providing humane and decent living environments.

The Wednesday evening massive fire tore through the densely populated neighborhood, leaving a trail of destruction and displacing scores of families.

According to an eyewitness, the fire, which broke out around 6 pm quickly engulfed dozens of structures.

"The firefighting response was hampered by water shortages and delays in reinforcement, with the first fire engine soon running dry and urgent pleas for more water going out," the witness said.

By 7 pm, the fire was still raging.

The Kenya Red Cross Nairobi Branch said their response teams quickly arrived at the scene to contain the blaze and ensure the safety of residents over the inferno that affected residential houses.

"The Nairobi Fire Brigade, Kenya Red Cross Action Team, and Kenya Police and the community members are on the ground, working together to contain a fire that broke out at 1810Hrs, affecting residential houses," Kenya Red Cross Nairobi Branch said on X.