Narok Governor Patrick Ole Ntutu has directed all relevant county departments to immediately mobilize emergency support after an early morning fire burned down 80 per cent of Olmekenyu town in Narok South Subcounty.
According to the governor, a fire erupted at approximately 5am on Saturday and ravaged the town, burning houses and businesses.
The Kenya Red Cross confirmed the fire incident, revealing that it had burned down 50 houses and reduced the town's business center to ashes.
However, in an update, the governor revealed the extent of the fire to be more severe, with over 100 businesses burned down, leading to the loss of 67 structures and the destruction of more than 100 Vibandas.
The fire also burnt down 100 households, leaving tenants homeless and 30 children in urgent need of assistance.
"Earlier today, I toured the affected areas to assess the extent of the damage and engage with the local leadership. We deliberated on immediate intervention measures to support the affected residents," the governor revealed in an official statement.
In a meeting with the area leadership, the governor instructed the area Member of the County Assembly (MCA), David Sulunye, to facilitate the provision of necessities such as food, shelter, and bedding for displaced families.
Ntutu assured the residents that the county government was working closely with humanitarian partners and other stakeholders to ensure swift and coordinated relief efforts. The governor also noted that he had taken notice of three brave firefighters whom he acknowledged and revealed that the county has taken to the hospital.
"I have taken note of the three brave firefighters who sustained injuries while battling the inferno. They are currently receiving medical attention at the Narok Referral Hospital, and my office is closely monitoring their recovery," Ntutu noted.
He has requested the residents to remain calm as the county diligently works to restore normalcy. All the victims of the inferno have been assured that none of them will be left behind.
The Narok fire was among the three fires that Kenya witnessed in a single day. On Saturday, Kenyans woke up to fires at the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) and the Mathare-Mabatini area in Nairobi.
Before that, the nation witnessed fires at the Nairobi National Park, which happened on Friday night, and a recent fire along the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), which happened a week ago.
According to data from the Kenya Red Cross, over 22 fires were experienced in a single week.
