Fire Breaks Out at Yare Plaza in Eastleigh, Nairobi
Witnesses described chaotic scenes as thick black smoke billowed from the structure, with flames rapidly spreading across several floors. Images and videos circulating online showed desperate occupants attempting to escape from upper levels using improvised means, including ropes and cables, as the fire intensified.
Some individuals were seen sliding across to adjacent buildings in a risky effort to flee the inferno, highlighting the urgency and danger of the unfolding situation.
“People were screaming for help from the upper floors, and some had no choice but to climb down using cables,” said a trader who operates a shop nearby.
The incident caused significant disruption across Eastleigh, one of Nairobi’s busiest commercial hubs, with traffic grinding to a near standstill. Both pedestrian and vehicle movement were severely affected as crowds gathered and emergency responders struggled to access the scene through congested streets.
Firefighters from the Nairobi City County Government were deployed promptly and worked to contain the flames while coordinating evacuation efforts. Rescue operations were still ongoing as authorities sought to account for all individuals believed to have been inside the building at the time.
“Our teams are on site working to contain the fire and ensure safe evacuation of all occupants,” an official involved in the response confirmed.
As of the time of reporting, the cause of the fire remained unclear, with authorities yet to determine whether it was triggered by an electrical fault, human activity, or other factors. Security agencies have indicated that investigations will be launched once the fire is fully contained.
The latest incident adds to a growing list of fire outbreaks reported in Nairobi in recent months, raising concerns about safety standards in densely populated residential and commercial areas.
Just days earlier, a separate blaze in Kangemi destroyed property worth millions and displaced several families. The Kenya Red Cross Society confirmed that the fire occurred along Marega Road in the Bata area on the evening of February 26, prompting emergency response and humanitarian assistance.
“We responded to the Kangemi fire incident and supported affected families as investigations commenced,” the organisation said in a brief update at the time.
Earlier incidents have also been reported in the central business district, particularly along Luthuli Street, where multiple fires broke out in January, causing extensive losses to traders and business owners. Investigations into one of the incidents pointed to an electrical fault during routine repair work as the likely cause.
The recurrence of such disasters has intensified calls for stricter enforcement of building safety regulations, including proper electrical installations, fire exits, and emergency preparedness measures in both residential and commercial buildings.
Local leaders and residents have urged authorities to conduct thorough inspections and ensure compliance to prevent further tragedies.
“We cannot continue losing businesses and risking lives due to preventable fires. Authorities must act decisively,” a local resident lamented.
As emergency teams continue to battle the flames at Yare Plaza, concerns remain high over potential casualties and the extent of damage to property. Officials have urged members of the public to avoid the area to allow rescue operations to proceed unhindered.
Further updates are expected as authorities provide more details on the cause of the fire and the number of people affected in one of Nairobi’s latest urban emergencies.
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Fire Breaks Out at Yare Plaza in Eastleigh, Nairobi
