24 families have been displaced after a fire overnight reduced their homes to ashes.

The Kenya Red Cross reported that the blaze started at 1 AM in the Jua Kali Green Corner area of Embakasi. In response to the incident, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino criticized Nairobi firefighters for their delayed response, which he believes contributed to the extensive damage.

Babu Owino has urged for quicker action from the fire department to prevent such severe destruction in the future.

“Fire outbreak at Juakali Embakasi East. Sadness in Embakasi. Nairobi County fire brigade should move with speed and put out the fire,” the MP said.

As of this report, no casualties have been confirmed, and the cause of the fire remains unknown. This incident follows a tragic event in February, when a gas truck explosion in Embakasi resulted in a massive fireball, claiming at least six lives and injuring 280 others.

In the aftermath of that explosion, the National Environment Management Agency (NEMA) faced criticism for allegedly issuing a license for the LPG filling and storage plant in a densely populated area.

An LPG filling station is categorized as a project that must undergo an Environmental Impact Assessment Study report as outlined in Schedule 2 of the Environmental Management and Co-ordination Act. The applicant must submit this report for review by the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), which, if the application meets all requirements, will then issue a license.

In response to recent incidents, Nairobi Governor Sakaja Johnson has ordered the closure of all gas businesses operating within residential areas across the city.

As fire incidents continue to rise, there are growing concerns about the adequacy of efforts invested in educating the public on fire response and preparedness.