Govt to support Mathare fire victims- CS Ruku

Cabinet Secretary for Public Service, Human Capital Development, and Special Programmes, Geoffrey Ruku, has assured full government assistance for those affected by the recent fire in Mathare 4B estate, Nairobi.

The inferno, which occurred earlier this week, resulted in the loss of six lives and displaced numerous families.

Ongoing relief measures include the distribution of emergency supplies, support for resettlement, and the development of long-term recovery strategies.

While touring the scene of the tragedy, CS Geoffrey Ruku assured residents that the government, through the State Department for Special Programmes, would cater for all medical bills of the injured and mortuary costs for those who lost their lives.

He added that families whose homes and belongings were destroyed would receive construction materials to help them rebuild. The government will also support the reconstruction of two churches that were razed by the fire.

"The safety and welfare of Kenyans is a government responsibility. That’s why the President and his Deputy have sent me here, not just with words of comfort, but with concrete support," Ruku stated.

The visit was part of the government's swift emergency response to the tragedy. CS Ruku, accompanied by Mathare MP Anthony Oluoch, also oversaw the distribution of food and essential supplies to families affected by the fire.

Despite the response from five firefighting trucks dispatched by the Nairobi County Government, the fire caused widespread damage.

The incident underscored the challenges faced in informal settlements, including poor housing quality, narrow and hard-to-access roads, and insufficient drainage systems, all of which severely hinder emergency response efforts.

"The tragedy is heartbreaking, but our priority is to help those affected rebuild their lives with dignity and the necessary support," Ruku said.

He highlighted that the national government is collaborating closely with Nairobi County to enhance infrastructure and implement lasting safety measures to prevent similar disasters in the future.

CS Ruku also highlighted the government’s wider plan to improve informal settlements through housing projects such as the Mukuru Affordable Housing Project, launched by President William Samoei Ruto.

He noted, "These initiatives are designed to enhance living conditions for slum residents and lessen their exposure to disasters like the recent Mathare fire."

MP Oluoch praised the government’s prompt and compassionate response, saying it demonstrates a strong commitment to protecting the lives and livelihoods of all Kenyans.