NAIROBI– Six people are dead. Dozens of families are homeless. And now, the government says it’s stepping in.
Days after a deadly fire tore through the Mathare 4B estate in Nairobi, Cabinet Secretary for Public Service Geoffrey Ruku visited the scene, promising government-backed help for those who lost everything.
“It’s the government’s duty to ensure the safety and well-being of its citizens,” he told a gathered crowd of grieving residents on Wednesday. “That is why the President and his Deputy have sent me here not only to offer condolences, but to deliver tangible support.”
The fire, which broke out earlier this week, ripped through one of the capital’s most vulnerable neighbourhoods. Narrow alleyways and makeshift structures made it nearly impossible for firefighters to access the scene in time. Five county fire trucks responded, but the damage had already been done.
Among the victims were children and elderly residents. Families now face not only the loss of loved ones but the destruction of their homes and livelihoods.
In response, Ruku announced that the State Department for Special Programmes would cover all medical bills for the injured and funeral expenses for the deceased. Families who lost homes will also receive construction materials to help them rebuild.
Two local churches destroyed in the blaze will be reconstructed with state support, he added.
The Cabinet Secretary’s visit was more than symbolic. Joined by Mathare MP Anthony Oluoch, he handed out emergency supplies food, bedding, and other basic items while engaging directly with displaced residents.
“The tragedy is painful,” Ruku said, “but we want to ensure those affected can begin to rebuild their lives with dignity and support.”
The fire has once again exposed the persistent risks in Nairobi’s informal settlements. Poor infrastructure, tightly packed homes, and limited access for emergency services leave areas like Mathare dangerously vulnerable.
Ruku acknowledged these structural problems and said the government is now working closely with Nairobi County to introduce long-term safety measures. Plans include improved drainage, widened access roads, and stronger housing foundations.
He also pointed to ongoing efforts such as the Mukuru Affordable Housing Project, spearheaded by President William Ruto, which aims to upgrade informal settlements and make them safer.
“These projects aim to uplift the living standards of slum residents,” Ruku said, “and reduce vulnerability to tragedies like the one experienced in Mathare.”
MP Oluoch praised the national government’s swift reaction.
“The compassion and speed of this response show a clear commitment to safeguarding lives and livelihoods,” he said.
For now, the road to recovery will be long for Mathare’s residents. But in a place often overlooked, many said the government’s presence brought some comfort.
As dusk fell over the ruins of what were once family homes, a few families huddled around shared fires this time, not out of fear, but out of the stubborn will to carry on.
