Passaris wants Nyumba Kumi setups in Nairobi to have fire extinguishers

Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris has urged the government to enhance fire safety measures following a series of devastating fires across the city and the country.

In a statement shared via X account on Sunday, March 2, 2025, Passaris proposed equipping Nyumba Kumi neighborhood setups with portable fire extinguishers, sand buckets, and fire blankets to enable residents to act swiftly in case of a fire outbreak.

The lawmaker also emphasized the importance of public education on fire prevention and suggested training young people as fire marshals to improve rapid response efforts.

“Very sad indeed. @SakajaJohnson The frequency of fires in the county needs us to educate the public on fire prevention and to co-opt the youth into training as fire marshals. Every nyumba kumi set up should have portable fire extinguishers, sand buckets, and blankets as a nearby rapid response depot to arrest the fires before they engulf an entire neighbourhood,” Passaris stated.

Her remarks come in the wake of a fire that broke out at Kwa Kassim in Tassia, Embakasi East Constituency, on the night of Saturday, March 1. The fire razed several houses, destroying property worth millions of shillings. Reports indicated that at least six people suffered burns, while many families were left homeless.

Embakasi East MP Babu Owino described the incident as a heartbreaking moment for his constituency. He appealed for prayers and support, noting that many affected residents were forced to spend the night in the cold after losing their homes.

“Pray for us as Fire is currently razing down houses at Tassia, Embakasi East. Property worth millions destroyed, children, Men and women left homeless ,forced to spend the night in the cold. What a sad night in Embakasi East,” Babu expressed.

Fire outbreaks

The Tassia fire is the latest in a series of fire outbreaks reported across the country in recent weeks. According to the Kenya Red Cross, over 22 fires were recorded within a single week, resulting in the destruction of 42 homes, 48 businesses, and two schools. At least 20 people suffered injuries due to these incidents.

Emergency response teams, including the Kenya Red Cross, county and national government agencies, and local volunteers, have been working tirelessly to provide first aid, evacuation, and psychosocial support to affected communities. The organization also highlighted its efforts to contain a recent fire in Mathare’s Mabatini area.

“More than 22 fires in a single week—our teams have been on the ground, responding and supporting affected communities. The latest, in Mathare-Mabatini, has now been contained,” the authority stated.

Adding;

‘These fires have affected 42 households, 48 businesses, two schools, and an unknown acreage of land, leaving 20 injured. Kenya Red Cross continues to provide mental health and psychosocial support, first aid, and evacuation of the injured, working alongside national and county government teams.”