Several people are feared to have passed away following a fire incident that caught a four-storey building in Nairobi's Kawangware estate.
The fire occurred in the Stage 2 area of the Congo area in the populous Kawangware estate. It is suspected to have been caused by an electrical fault.
According to eyewitnesses, the fire began spreading rapidly, with thick black smoke engulfing the air.
Local kiosks, shops, and several houses were affected, with the occupants forced to temporarily scamper for safety, fearing the fire could spread over.
Images and videos obtained by Kenyans.co.ke depicted the locals who were recording from across the road calling for emergency response.
One of the locals could be heard crying for help, revealing that a neighbour was allegedly one of the victims, with their doors locked and unable to open their doors.
"My neighbour is locked inside. Who will help her? She cannot be able to come out," the lady's voice could be heard amid the confusion.
However, residents raised concerns over the poor state of roads, which made it impossible for fire trucks from the county brigade to access the affected areas.
Two people were injured and dozens left homeless after a fire razed at least 28 houses in Kawangware 56, Dagoretti North, on January 4 this year.
The flames were linked to an explosion at a gas and petrol refilling shop situated in the densely populated residential area of Kawangware, which has been synonymous with regular outbreaks.
According to witnesses, the incident, which also left business owners counting losses, was preceded by a gas leak.
Separately, the government has often cited the Affordable Housing agenda as a long-term solution to the recurring fire tragedies in informal settlements.
Public Service CS Georey Ruku, on Wednesday, echoed this position, stating, "The affordable housing projects in informal settlements spearheaded by President William Ruto are a sustainable solution to such incidents and will ensure the government protects the lives and properties of Kenyans while providing humane and decent living environments."
