Nairobi, Kenya – An individual has been arrested in connection with the Palisades fire, authorities confirmed on Wednesday, October 8, 2025. This development comes as stakeholders continue to call for greater clarity on fire prevention strategies, response timelines, and safety measures across the country.

While details surrounding the arrest remain limited, the announcement has intensified public interest in the incident and broader concerns about fire safety in urban areas, particularly in Nairobi's informal settlements. The cause of the Palisades fire has not been officially released, but investigations are ongoing.

Historical and Political Context of Fire Incidents in Kenya

Fire incidents are a recurring tragedy in Kenya, ranking second only to road traffic accidents in frequency and third in fatalities after armed conflict and road traffic accidents. Between 2020 and 2024, a total of 1,606 fire incidents were reported across 17 counties, with Nairobi, Nyeri, Kiambu, Nakuru, Mombasa, and Bomet experiencing the most significant impacts. These fires affected an estimated 28,000 households, resulting in 2,392 casualties, 11 missing persons, and 293 fatalities during this period.

Nairobi County, in particular, faces a disproportionately high number of fire incidents, with 40% of all fires in 2020 reported in informal settlements. Areas like Mathare, Kibera, and Gikambura frequently experience blazes, often leading to widespread displacement and loss of property. For instance, in May 2025, a fire in Mathare B slums killed five people and injured four others, while another blaze at Gikomba Market occurred just hours earlier. Poor road access in informal settlements often significantly delays emergency response, exacerbating the damage.

Laws, Policy, and Governance on Fire Safety

The Kenyan Constitution, specifically Paragraph 12 of Part Two of the Fourth Schedule, devolves the responsibility for firefighting and disaster management to county governments. In Nairobi, the Nairobi City County Disaster and Emergency Management Act, 2015, mandates the county government to implement adequate measures for disaster response. Additionally, the Occupational Safety and Health Act CAP 236A outlines strict fire safety regulations for workplaces, requiring businesses to install and maintain proper fire safety systems.

Despite these legal frameworks, challenges persist. Many firefighting equipment and personnel are concentrated in Nairobi's Central Business District, leading to delayed responses in congested areas and informal settlements that lack proper road infrastructure. Former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko has advocated for establishing fire stations in each of Nairobi's 17 sub-counties to improve response times. Currently, Nairobi has 11 functioning fire stations, including the historic Khoja Fire Station and one in the Industrial Area, with others established more recently. Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has also announced plans to construct three additional fire stations to enhance the city's fire response capabilities.

Stakeholders and Testimonies

Community leaders play a crucial role as first responders in many fire incidents, often mobilising youth to assist with initial containment efforts while awaiting official emergency services. Residents are urged to immediately notify the Nairobi Fire Brigade through the County toll-free Emergency number 1508 or their control room. Testimonies from affected residents frequently highlight the slow response times of emergency teams as a major factor contributing to the extent of destruction.

Evidence and Data

• Fire Incidents (2020-2024): 1,606 reported across 17 counties.
• Affected Households (2020-2024): Approximately 28,000.
• Casualties (2020-2024): 2,392.
• Fatalities (2020-2024): 293.
• Nairobi Fire Incidents (2020): 40% occurred in informal settlements.
• Burn Incidents (2020): 213,770 recorded by the Ministry of Health, exceeding the 200,000 annual average.
• Kenyatta National Hospital Admissions (2020): 698 burn victims, with 20% succumbing to complications.

Risks and Implications

The frequent fire incidents, particularly in densely populated informal settlements, pose significant risks to human life, property, and the environment. The destruction of homes and livelihoods leads to displacement and increased vulnerability for affected communities. The economic impact of fires is substantial, with direct property loss estimated at USD 595,715 from 2014 to 2022. The lack of adequate fire safety infrastructure and slow emergency response further exacerbate these risks.

Unknowns and Controversies

While an arrest has been made in the Palisades fire, the specific details regarding the individual's alleged involvement and the exact cause of the blaze remain under investigation. In many fire incidents in Nairobi, the causes are often unknown or attributed to factors like electrical faults or arson, though documented causes are scarce. The effectiveness of current fire prevention campaigns and the implementation of existing regulations are also subjects of ongoing debate.

Timeline and Next Steps

The arrest in the Palisades fire was announced on Wednesday, October 8, 2025. Further details are expected as the investigation progresses. In the broader context of fire safety, Nairobi County continues to implement measures to improve disaster response, including plans for new fire stations and the establishment of the Nairobi Disaster Management Authority.

What to Watch

The public will be keenly watching for further information regarding the Palisades fire arrest and the subsequent legal proceedings. Additionally, the progress of Nairobi County's initiatives to decentralise firefighting services and improve overall disaster preparedness will be a critical area of focus. The effectiveness of these measures in reducing the frequency and impact of fires, especially in informal settlements, remains a key concern for Kenyans.