Red Cross gives latest updates following fire outbreaks in Mathare-Mabatini and Narok South
The Kenya Red Cross has confirmed that a fire that broke out early Saturday, March 1, 2025, at Olmekenyu Centre in Narok South has been contained.
The blaze, which started at around 5 am on March 1, 2025, destroyed about 50 houses and razed the community’s shopping area. The humanitarian authority has mentioned that a multi-agency team is currently on the ground, assessing the extent of the damage and assisting affected families. The cause of the fire has not yet been determined.
Meanwhile, emergency response teams have been dispatched to another fire incident in Mathare-Mabatini, Nairobi, as authorities work to manage the situation.
“The fire has been contained but destroyed about 50 houses, as well as reducing the community’s shopping area to ashes. A multi-agency team is assessing the damage. We are also en route to respond to a fire incident in the Mathare-Mabatini area in Nairobi.” Kenya Red Cross stated.
Fire outbreaks
According to Kenya Red Cross, Kenya has recorded more than 22 fire incidents in the past week, causing widespread destruction.
In another statement shared via X account, the Red Cross team said the fires have displaced families and destroyed 42 households, 48 businesses, and two schools, while the full extent of land damage is yet to be established. At least 20 people have sustained injuries. Authorities and emergency response teams have been working to contain the situation, providing medical assistance, evacuations, and support for affected communities.
“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.”
Dry season
Over the past week, Kenya has experienced fire incidents, notably at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) and in various national parks, attributed to the ongoing dry season.
On Friday, February 21, 2025, at approximately 6:30 pm, a wildfire erupted on the grasslands surrounding JKIA, particularly near 75 Airport North Road. The Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) reported that the fire was confined to non-operational areas and did not impact flight operations. A coordinated response involving KAA’s Airport Rescue & Fire Fighting Service, the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), the National Police Service, the Kenya Pipeline, the Nairobi County Fire Unit, KK Security, and G4S successfully contained the blaze by around 10:00 pm.
Wildfires are also currently raging through six of Kenya’s national parks. In an update on March 1, 2025, KWS detailed the fires’ impact, which threatens wildlife and ecosystems, and outlined response efforts involving KWS rangers, the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), county governments, and volunteers.
In Nairobi National Park, two fires broke out on Thursday. The first, near Wilson Airport, was swiftly contained, while the second, in the Athi Basin Dam area, remains under active containment.
“Two fires erupted on Thursday… The first, near Wilson Airport… was swiftly contained… A second blaze in the Athi Basin Dam area… remains under active containment,” KWS stated.
The Aberdare ecosystem is experiencing a major fire between Karuru Falls and Elephant Hill, with KWS deploying ground and aerial teams. Smaller fires in Embaringo, Wanjohi, and Gatare over the past week have been contained.
“A significant fire between Karuru Falls and Elephant Hill prompted KWS to deploy ground teams and helicopters… This follows three smaller fires… now contained,” KWS noted.
In Ruma National Park (Homa Bay County), a fire in the Nyoyo region continues to burn, with intensified suppression efforts planned. “The Nyoyo fire, which ignited yesterday evening, is ongoing. Teams are poised to mobilize at first light…” KWS reported.
A bushfire in South Island National Park (Marsabit County), which began on February 17, burned through 60 square kilometers before being extinguished in four days. Rugged terrain and strong winds complicated containment efforts.
“A bushfire that ignited on February 17… burned approximately 60 sq km before being extinguished after four days…” KWS stated.
In Mt. Elgon National Park, a fire in Kimothon Forest threatened bamboo habitats but was swiftly contained by KWS and Kenya Forest Service (KFS) rangers.
“Mt Elgon National Park: A fire that erupted in the Kimothon Forest… sparked major concern… Swift action by KWS and KFS rangers successfully suppressed the blaze,” KWS said.
Fires in Tsavo West National Park have now been fully contained.
