Fire Breaks Out in Kangemi Residential Buildings, Residents Feared Trapped

Several people are feared trapped after a fire broke out in a residential area of Kangemi, Nairobi, on Thursday, August 13, 2026.

The blaze broke out behind Posta, near Kangemi Shopping Centre along Waiyaki Way, before spreading through several structures in the densely populated settlement.

Thick smoke soon covered the area as flames intensified, raising fears for residents inside the affected houses.

Nairobi County firefighters quickly arrived at the scene and began battling the flames. They also worked to stop the fire from reaching neighbouring structures.

Cause of the Fire Not Confirmed 

However, the cause of the fire remained unknown by the time of reporting. Authorities had also not confirmed any deaths or injuries.

The affected area forms part of Kangemi Informal Settlement, a densely populated neighbourhood situated in a valley surrounded by developed residential areas, including Mountain View.

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Most residents live in houses built with corrugated iron sheets, timber and mud. As a result, flames can spread quickly from one structure to another when a fire starts.

As firefighters continued their response, residents gathered near the scene to monitor the situation. Meanwhile, the number of houses damaged, the extent of property loss and whether anyone remained trapped had yet to be established.

Kangemi Has Recorded Several Fires in 2026

The latest incident follows several other fires reported in Kangemi this year.

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On April 13, an early-morning fire swept through Dam View Settlement and destroyed homes and property. The incident left about 700 families without shelter, while authorities had not immediately established the cause.

Earlier, on February 25, a suspected cooking gas incident triggered a fire along Marega Road near Bata. The flames then spread through nearby residential structures before residents and responders brought the situation under control.

On February 10, another fire broke out around midnight in Bottomline near Makaburini. Residents and local leaders moved quickly to contain the flames, preventing reported deaths.

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A photo of Rental houses on fire in the Kangemi area of Nairobi on Thursday, August 13, 2026. PHOTO/ Screengrab