Government spokesperson Isaac Mwaura has said that the Kenya Red Cross will pay two months’ rent for families affected by the Embakasi gas explosion tragedy.
In a statement on Monday, February 5, 2024, Mwaura asked landlords to accommodate the affected families without the usual requirements.
Mwaura said the rent will be capped at Ksh6,000 per month.
“The Kenya Red Cross will cover two months’ rent, totalling Ksh6,000 monthly, for affected individuals. Landlords are urged to accommodate them without usual requirements, considering the humanitarian situation,” Mwaura stated.
Mwaura announced that three more individuals have succumbed to their injuries, raising the death toll from the Embakasi fire incident to six.
“The government and other partners will continue to give support to the 761 families, an increase of 98 families compared to the initial figure of 663 households. Currently, 28 families, comprising 30 adults and 19 children, (six male,17 female and 16 children) are taking shelter at the Social Hall, with many having found alternative accommodation,” he added.
Victims of Embakasi tragedy hospitalised
He says that at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH), the situation remains serious but controlled after 67 patients were admitted, including six in critical condition with severe burns. As of Monday, 27 patients had been discharged from KNH, while 34 others are still admitted.
Kenyatta University Teaching and Referral Hospital received 27 patients from the tragedy, with eight already discharged and 19 remaining (10 males, six females, and three minors).
Victims who lost documents in the tragedy have been asked to register at Embakasi Social Hall for replacement facilitated by the National Registration Bureau and other agencies like KNEC.
“761 beneficiaries at Embakasi Social Hall received essential supplies from various agencies, including 840 bags of rice, 761 bags of beans,1522 blankets, 600 tikes, 40 mats, 50 soap cartons, 761 kitchen sets, 50 beef cartons, and five bales of sanitary towels,” Mwaura added.
The government has also appealed to the public for blood donations and support for the families of the deceased.
