Huruma Residents Suffer Losses After Night Fire Near Jumia Hospital

Nairobi, Kenya – Residents of Huruma estate were left counting their losses after a fire broke out near Jumia Hospital on Sunday night, August 10. According to the Kenya Red Cross Nairobi Branch, the blaze erupted at Johnsaga at around 9:00pm, prompting a joint response from fire crews and local residents.

Videos captured from the scene showed towering flames and thick smoke billowing from nearby buildings, casting an orange glow across the neighbourhood. While no casualties were reported, preliminary accounts suggest the fire may have been triggered by a gas cylinder explosion. Authorities have begun assessing the extent of the damage to homes and businesses.

A Persistent Urban Threat

The incident once again highlights the vulnerability of Nairobi’s densely populated informal settlements to devastating fires. Narrow pathways, haphazard building structures, and limited access for emergency vehicles often make firefighting efforts more difficult, increasing the risk of rapid spread.

Just two months ago, a major fire in Kibra estate left more than 100 families homeless, spurring calls for urgent action. Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku has acknowledged the scale of the problem, noting that fires have become “very common” in Nairobi’s informal neighbourhoods.

Government Response and Safety Pledges

In the wake of June’s Kibra disaster, Ruku pledged that the government would work to improve housing safety and bolster emergency response capacity. Measures under consideration include:

• Upgrading infrastructure in high-density areas to allow faster access for fire engines.

• Promoting safer cooking and lighting methods to reduce the risk of gas and electrical fires.

• Increasing community awareness on fire prevention and evacuation protocols.

“The government is committed to ending these tragedies to protect the lives and property of citizens,” Ruku said during an earlier briefing.

Next Steps

Authorities are now investigating the Huruma blaze to determine the exact cause and identify safety lapses. Meanwhile, local leaders and humanitarian groups are calling for accelerated investment in urban fire safety to prevent further tragedies in the capital’s most vulnerable communities.