184 houses reduced to ashes in Bahati inferno

BY SAMMY KIMATU
At least 184 houses were razed in a fire suspected to have been triggered by a gas cylinder explosion in Bahati, Nairobi, on Monday, leaving residents counting losses after the inferno destroyed everything in its path.

Speaking on Tuesday during Mashujaa Day celebrations, Makadara Deputy County Commissioner (DCC) Philip Koima said no deaths or injuries were reported in the incident, which occurred at about 11am in an informal settlement in Bahati Sub-location, Hamza Maringo Ward, Makadara Sub-County.

Preliminary reports indicate that a gas cylinder exploded in one of the houses, sparking a fire that quickly spread to neighbouring structures. Subsequent explosions of other gas cylinders in nearby houses are believed to have intensified the blaze.

The fire swept through mabati houses spread across four plots, including one belonging to Engineer Wanjohi, destroying all 184 structures. Residents reportedly managed to salvage nothing from the affected houses.

Firefighters from Nairobi City County responded to the emergency and extinguished the blaze with the assistance of National Government Administrative Officers (NGAOs) and police officers.

The scene of the fire that razed structures in Bahati, Maringo Location, Makadara Sub-County, Nairobi, on October 20, 2026. Photo/Sammy Kimatu

Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC) disconnected electricity in the affected area as a precaution because some of the structures were close to its power line wayleave.

Police officers also helped control crowds that had gathered at the scene and calm residents as emergency teams battled the fire.

The full extent of the property losses was not immediately established, while the exact cause of the incident remained subject to further investigation.

Fire risks

The destruction highlights the fire risks facing residents of densely populated informal settlements, where closely packed structures can allow flames to spread rapidly, particularly when gas cylinders and unsafe electrical connections are involved.

The affected settlement comprised mainly makeshift mabati structures, some of which reportedly had illegal and poorly connected electricity installations.

Such conditions can complicate emergency response efforts and increase the risk of widespread destruction when a fire breaks out.

The incident also raises fresh concerns about fire prevention and emergency preparedness in informal settlements across Nairobi, where narrow access routes and closely built homes can hamper firefighting operations.

Authorities have previously evacuated substantial numbers of people from informal settlements constructed along riparian land in parts of Nairobi between 2024 and 2025.

However, Monday’s fire in Bahati underscores the continuing need to improve safety standards in vulnerable residential areas, including proper electrical connections, safe handling and storage of gas cylinders and public awareness of fire prevention measures.

Residents are encouraged to report suspected gas leaks and electrical hazards to the relevant authorities and seek immediate assistance whenever a fire breaks out.

With 184 houses destroyed and no belongings reportedly salvaged, affected families now face the challenge of finding alternative shelter and rebuilding their lives after the disaster.