A devastating fire broke out on the evening of Saturday, 10 January 2026, sending shockwaves through Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD) and nearby residential areas. The blaze was reported at a building along Luthuli Avenue, near Munyu Road, with additional reports indicating fire activity in the Kitui Village area of Pumwani Ward.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic and confusion as thick smoke billowed into the evening sky, forcing traders, residents, and passersby to flee the affected areas. The fire reportedly started in a commercial building along Luthuli Avenue, a well-known hub for electronics, hardware, and wholesale businesses. Within minutes, flames spread rapidly, threatening adjacent structures and businesses.
According to initial reports, firefighters were delayed in arriving at the scene, prompting local residents and traders to take swift action. Using buckets of water, fire extinguishers, and other improvised means, members of the public attempted to contain the inferno as they waited for emergency responders. Despite their efforts, the fire caused significant damage before professional teams could fully take control.
The Nairobi County Fire Brigade later arrived and immediately began coordinated efforts to extinguish the flames. Fire engines were seen battling the blaze late into the night as authorities worked to prevent the fire from spreading further within the densely packed CBD. Roads around Luthuli Avenue and Munyu Road were temporarily blocked to allow emergency operations to proceed.
In a statement, emergency responders confirmed that the Red Cross Action Team (RCAT) had been activated and deployed to the scene. Their role includes providing first aid, assisting affected individuals, and supporting evacuation efforts where necessary. As of the latest update, no fatalities have been officially confirmed, though assessments are still ongoing.
Business owners in the area have already begun counting heavy losses, with many shops destroyed or severely damaged by fire and smoke. Traders expressed frustration and sadness, noting that Luthuli Avenue has experienced multiple fire incidents in recent years, raising concerns about fire safety standards, electrical faults, and emergency preparedness in Nairobi’s CBD.
Authorities have launched preliminary investigations to establish the cause of the fire, with electrical malfunction suspected but not yet confirmed. Nairobi County officials have urged business owners and residents to remain calm and avoid the affected areas as emergency operations and damage assessments continue.
This incident once again highlights the urgent need for improved fire response infrastructure, faster emergency deployment, and stricter enforcement of safety regulations in Nairobi’s commercial districts. Further updates are expected as the situation develops.
