Over 200 families left homeless after devastating fires in Kiamaiko and Mabatini villages, Mathare Constituency, Nairobi County have received much-needed relief following swift intervention by the government.
The response was led by Cabinet Secretary for Public Service, Human Capital Development and Special Programmes, Geoffrey Ruku.
The twin infernos razed 110 homes in Kiamaiko and another 101 in Mabatini, leaving behind a trail of destruction. Victims lost nearly all their belongings and were forced to endure cold nights in the open. Tragically, one person is suspected to have died from electrocution during the incident.
Preliminary investigations have attributed the fires to illegal electricity connections, open flames, and unsafe handling of gas cylinders, common hazards in the densely populated informal settlements.
During his visit to the affected areas, CS Ruku led a government delegation that distributed emergency aid, including foodstuffs, bedding, and other essential household items. He assured victims of continued government support.
“No Kenyan should be left to suffer alone in the face of tragedy,” said the Cabinet Secretary. “We are here to walk with you until you get back on your feet.”
CS Ruku emphasized the ministry’s commitment to strengthening disaster preparedness and response through the State Department for Special Programmes, in accordance with Executive Order No. 1 of 2025.
He affirmed that the Ministry would continue to coordinate with relevant government agencies to ensure sustained support for the affected families.
“This is a critical moment to restore dignity and instill hope in the lives of these families. Rebuilding after such loss requires not just compassion, but consistent action,” he said.
He further reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to bringing government services closer to citizens through the Huduma Smart Serikalini initiative, operating under the slogan
“A Fresh Approach, Timeless Impact.”
To help victims who lost crucial identification and academic documents in the fire, CS Ruku directed Huduma Centre staff in Eastleigh to set up a service tent at the Deputy County Commissioner’s office.
He also confirmed that he had engaged the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) to facilitate the replacement of lost certificates for those verified by National Government Administration Officers.
“This government is committed to transformative service delivery that directly touches lives at the grassroots,” Ruku added, calling on residents to continue supporting President William Ruto’s administration.
Victims of the fires expressed deep gratitude for the swift response, saying the aid provided had given them both practical help and renewed hope. Local leaders who accompanied the Cabinet Secretary praised the visit as a strong show of the government’s readiness to respond to grassroots emergencies.
Community leaders from both villages urged the government to adopt a more coordinated, long-term approach to improving fire safety and emergency response in informal settlements, where such tragedies are unfortunately common.
CS Ruku concluded by pledging to work with other government departments to explore sustainable solutions for the affected families, including potential housing and livelihood support programmes.
