A massive fire has broken out following multiple explosions at a gas depot in the New Donholm area of Embakasi East Constituency, Nairobi.
Preliminary reports indicate the explosions occurred on Friday, February 6, morning after a fire ignited at the facility, sending huge flames and thick smoke into the sky, visible from several parts of the city. The cause of the fire has not yet been established.
Emergency response teams, including the Nairobi City County Fire Brigade and security personnel, quickly arrived at the scene and are currently battling the blaze.
Further reports indicate that authorities have since cordoned off the main access road to New Donholm to allow emergency operations and restrict movement around the affected area.
Witnesses reported hearing several loud explosions from a distance as the fire intensified. One eyewitness described the scene as a major fire outbreak behind the TotalEnergies station, opposite Triple K, near a popular chicken outlet locally known as “kwa Doc.”
“Fire outbreak in Donholm, behind Total Energies, opposite Triple K, at the chicken place kwa Doc. A number of explosions were heard from a distance. Cause not yet established. Emergency response teams are on site.”
Photos seen show a massive fire engulfing the area, with Nairobi City County fire engines deployed at the site as firefighters worked to contain the inferno. No official communication had yet to be issued regarding casualties, injuries, or the extent of damage by the time of publishing.
The Donholm explosions come just weeks after another major massive blaze on January 17, 2026, erupted at Karanja Stage in Karanja Village, Makina Ward in Kibra Constituency.
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The fire, whose cause was not immediately established, was worsened by a severe water shortage that hampered containment efforts and left residents struggling to save their homes.
Images circulating online showed thick smoke billowing into the sky as residents hurriedly carried mattresses, clothes, and household belongings away from the advancing flames.
Emergency responders from the fire department and the Kenya Red Cross rushed to the scene, though limited water supply continued to hinder firefighting operations.
“A fire outbreak has been reported at Karanja area in Kibra, Nairobi County. Response teams en route to the site,” Kenya Red Cross Nairobi Branch said.
Mradi gas explosion incident
The Donholm incident happened two years following another deadly gas explosion which happened in the still in Embakasi East.
The tragedy occurred on the night of February 1, 2024, at around 11:30 PM, when a truck loaded with gas cylinders exploded at an unlicensed refilling plant in the Mradi area, triggering a massive fireball that tore through the densely populated neighborhood.
Also Read: Owner of Illegal Gas Plant in Embakasi Surrenders to Police
At least 20 people were killed and nearly 300 others injured, while homes, businesses, vehicles, and a textile warehouse were destroyed.
Investigations later revealed that the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) had rejected construction permits for the facility three times in 2023 over safety concerns.
Residents had also raised complaints to the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) about the illegal plant before the explosion, but no action was taken. The plant owner, Derrick Kimathi of Maxis Energy, was later charged with manslaughter alongside three NEMA officials accused of allowing the illegal operation.
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