Gatwekera fire: Families lose homes and belongings as blaze ravages Kibera
By Valerian Khakayi, August 26, 2026Several families in Gatwekera, Kibera, Nairobi County, are counting their losses after a fire destroyed homes and businesses near the Shining Hope for Communities (SHOFCO) main site on Wednesday, August 26, 2026.
The blaze sent residents into panic as they rushed to contain the flames and prevent them from spreading to neighbouring structures in the densely populated settlement. More than 20 iron-sheet and wooden structures, mainly homes, were destroyed in the fire. At least one girl was reportedly injured and taken to hospital, while no deaths had been reported by the time of publication.
SHOFCO Founder and Chief Executive Officer Kennedy Odede expressed sympathy with the affected families and residents, saying the organisation stood with those who had lost their homes and belongings.
“My heart goes out to the families and residents of Gatwekera, Kibera, who have been affected by the devastating fire near the SHOFCO main site. We stand with everyone who has lost their homes and belongings at this difficult time,” Odede said.
He also thanked community members and emergency teams for responding quickly to the fire.
“I am grateful to the community members and emergency teams who responded swiftly,” he added.
SHOFCO helps contain fire
The fire broke out near SHOFCO’s main site, with residents among the first to respond as they carried jerricans and used available water to fight the flames.
The Nairobi County Government’s disaster management team later arrived and managed to put out the fire shortly before noon.
Odede highlighted the role played by SHOFCO’s aerial water infrastructure in helping contain the blaze, describing innovative water systems as important in protecting communities, particularly in densely populated settlements.
“The use of SHOFCO’s aerial water infrastructure to help contain the fire demonstrates the importance of innovative water systems in protecting lives and communities, especially in densely populated settlements,” he said.
SHOFCO has previously explained that its aerial water piping system was introduced in Kibera to help overcome challenges associated with underground pipes, including vandalism and contamination. The organisation’s water project serves residents through a network of elevated pipes and water kiosks.
Residents rush to save homes
Images from the scene showed residents working together to fight the fire as thick smoke rose over the settlement.
Some residents were seen carrying jerrycans of water while others watched helplessly as flames engulfed the structures. The quick response by residents and emergency teams helped prevent the fire from spreading further.
Despite the fire breaking out near the SHOFCO centre, a nearby school remained safe as efforts to contain the blaze continued.
The incident has once again highlighted the vulnerability of densely populated informal settlements to fires, where closely packed structures can allow flames to spread rapidly.
For the families affected in Gatwekera, however, the immediate concern remains finding shelter and recovering after losing their homes and belongings in the devastating blaze.