A fire broke out in Vietnam Village, Mukuru Kwa Njenga, Nairobi, on the night of December 15, injuring several residents and displacing dozens. The Kenya Red Cross reported that four people with minor injuries were treated at the scene, while one critically injured individual was taken to the hospital. The blaze affected approximately 70 households and 10 businesses, but no fatalities were reported.
The Nairobi City County Fire Brigade, supported by local residents, successfully contained the fire. The Kenya Red Cross commended the joint effort and confirmed that response teams were on-site to assist victims. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. This incident underscores the recurring challenges of fire outbreaks in Mukuru Kwa Njenga’s densely populated informal settlements.
Just months earlier, on September 16, a separate fire in the same area destroyed over 100 households. In both cases, collaboration between the fire brigade, local police, and community disaster responders proved crucial in limiting damage and assisting victims. The latest incident highlights the urgent need for enhanced fire safety measures in Nairobi’s informal settlements.
