Govt to cover all medical and mortuary costs for Mathare fire victims
The government has announced comprehensive support for victims of the fire that swept through the Mathare 4B estate in Nairobi, killing six people and displacing several families.
Speaking during a visit to the affected area on Thursday, May 22, 2025, Public Service Cabinet Secretary (CS) Geoffrey Ruku affirmed that the government, through the State Department for Special Programmes, will cover all medical expenses for the injured and mortuary bills for the deceased fully.
Further, he stated that families who lost homes and property will receive building materials to aid in reconstruction, and two churches that were destroyed in the blaze will also be rebuilt with government assistance.
“It is the government’s duty to ensure the safety and well-being of its citizens. That is why President William Ruto and his deputy Kithure Kindiki have sent me here, not only to offer condolences but to deliver tangible support,” he said.
Government intervention
The CS stated that despite efforts by five firefighting trucks from the Nairobi County Government, the blaze caused extensive destruction, highlighting the unique challenges of informal settlements, such as poor housing conditions, narrow and inaccessible roads, and inadequate drainage, which significantly hamper emergency response efforts.
“The tragedy is painful, but we want to ensure those affected can begin to rebuild their lives with dignity and support.”
Ruku stated that the national government is working closely with Nairobi County to implement long-term safety measures and improve infrastructure to mitigate future disasters.
Govt to cover all medical and mortuary costs for Mathare fire victims
Additionally, he highlighted the government’s broader agenda of upgrading informal settlements through housing initiatives like the Mukuru Affordable Housing Project.
The fire incident
At least five people, including two children, died on May 19, 2025, when the fire swept through the Mathare B section of the Mathare slums.
Police stated that four others sustained serious injuries and were rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment.
The blaze, which broke out around 2:00 am, also left dozens of residents homeless as it tore through the tightly packed informal settlement.
Confirming the incident, Nairobi Police Commander George Sedah said that at least eight homes and two nearby churches were destroyed in the fire.
He said the inferno is believed to have started in one of the iron-sheet houses before spreading rapidly to adjacent structures.
“The firefighters have managed to put out the fire that broke out at 2 am. We are yet to establish the cause of the fire. The injured are currently receiving medical attention,” he added.
