Fire razed down property of unknown value at office in Bazaar Plaza in Nairobi Central Business District (CBD) on Thursday, February 8, morning.
Reports of the fire breaking out were made at around 2:00 am, with videos of a huge cloud of smoke coming from one of the top offices of the building being shared online.
At around 2:30 am, Nairobi County Government were deployed to the scene to contain the spread of the fire and destruction of property.
However, Kenyans noted that the firefighters experienced difficulties in stopping the fire because of the position of the building.
“The firefighters have no clue where or how to stop the inferno. The results of poor and rogue planning approvals will mess up this country,” a user on X, Tate, lamented.
Also Read: Fire Razes Down Businesses at City Stadium
Additionally, he noted that the firefighters would have easily prevented further damage if the city was better planed.
The plaza houses several businesses and institutions, including a branch of Moi University, electronic shops, restaurants, and other amenities.
The cause of the fire was yet to be revealed.
Recent Cases of Fire Break Outs
There have been multiple cases of fire razing down businesses and homes in Nairobi, raising concerns among Kenyans.
The recent cases include a Tuesday, January 30 incident where fire razed down stalls and other local businesses near city stadium along Jogoo Road in Nairobi.
Many of the businessmen at the scene watched as millions of their property was reduced to ashes by the inferno.
“A fire outbreak has been reported affecting business premises near City Stadium, Nairobi County. Fire brigade enroute, Red Cross Action Team and dispatch notified. More updates to follow,” a statement from Red Cross Kenya read in part.
Also Read: Another Night Fire Destroys School Dormitory
At the same time, on February 7, 63 residents of Soweto Ward in Nairobi’s Embakasi East Constituency were left homeless after a night fire.
Further, Embakasi East Member of Parliament Babu Owino said the fire burned down houses and valuables belonging to the affected residents.
“Another sad day in Soweto ward, Embakasi East as 63 Residents are left homeless after fire burned down their Houses and other valuables last night. Please Pray for Embakasi East,” Babu Owino wrote in a statement.
Earlier on February 1, a lorry carrying gas cylinders exploded at around 11:30 pm leading to a fire that spread to nearby homes and factories in Mradi area in Embakasi.
Additionally, many of the residents lost property and their lives, while other sustained major injuries.
Following the incident, the owner of the gas plant was arrested even as four officials from the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) were fired for issuing license to the Embakasi gas plant.