The national government is set to introduce early warning systems as part of its long-term strategy to address recurrent fire incidents in Nairobi's informal settlements.
In a statement on Monday, May 26, Nairobi Regional Commissioner Katee Mwanza said that the county government will also work hand in hand with the National Disaster Operations Centre (NDOC) and train communities on basic safety measures to deal with such disasters.
Additionally, Mwanza has further urged Nairobi residents to remain vigilant and work with local authorities to ensure that fire incidents are reported on time.
"We acknowledge the structural challenges facing informal settlements, particularly around disaster preparedness and response infrastructure," Mwanza stated.
"As part of our long-term strategy, the government, through NDOC and relevant agencies, is prioritising early warning systems, community training, and enhanced coordination with county governments to strengthen disaster risk reduction and mitigation," she added.
Between Monday, May 19, and Saturday, May 24, fire incidents in several parts of Nairobi, including Mathare 4B, Kambi Aluru Village, and Mukuru kwa Reuben, have claimed the lives of 15 individuals and left others injured, according to the regional commissioner.
According to Mwanza, the Nairobi County government, in coordination with the NDOC, has deployed disaster response teams to offer support and ensure that all those affected are well taken care of.
The commissioner said authorities are on high alert and investigations are underway to determine the root cause of the fires, a step that she has affirmed will be fundamental in reinforcing and rolling out more fire safety interventions.
"The government is saddened by the recent tragic fire incidents that have occurred in various informal settlements in Nairobi between May 19 and May 24, 2025," Mwanza said.
"Emergency shelters and supplies have been mobilised for the displaced, while rapid assessments are being conducted to ascertain the needs of survivors," she added.
The statement comes a day after Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja urged the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) to roll out alternative models of power that could reduce fire incidents across the country's capital.
The Governor claims that illegal electricity connections or gas explosions are likely to be the root causes of the fire incidents.
“We have lost 15 people in Nairobi this week. There was a fire incident in Mathare, then on Tuesday, another in Makina, Kibera. That same day in Reuben, a child died from a fire; the common factor is energy—either gas explosions or illegal electricity connections,” Sakaja said on Sunday, May 25.
