Several houses at the Kerugoya Prison staff quarters in Kirinyaga County were destroyed in a fire that broke out on 25, 2026.
Eyewitnesses at the scene explained that the fire broke out at the staff residential quarters attached to Kerugoya Prison and left most of the residences burnt to ashes.
According to reports, the cause of the fire remains unknown as authorities are expected to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Following the fire, residents in the area have raised new concerns about the safety of prison staff housing and the ability of local authorities to respond to emergencies at correctional facilities.
Residents argued that the county’s fire engine has reportedly been out of service for more than seven months after developing mechanical problems.
Additionally, members of the public have questioned the condition of some of the houses occupied by prison officers and their families, calling for improved and safer accommodation.
Kerugoya Prison among Prison Staff Quarters Faced by Fire Outbreak
The Kerugoya incident comes against a national background of fires that have destroyed accommodation occupied by Kenya Prisons Service officers.
One of the most recent major incidents occurred at Lang’ata Women’s Maximum Security Prison in Nairobi in April 2026.
According to reports, a fire broke out at the staff quarters, destroying 30 housing units.
In a statement, the Kenya Red Cross said the fire broke out around 7:34 pm, forcing the administration and first responders to begin evacuation.
At around 10:00 pm, the first responders reported that the fire at Lang’ata Women’s Prison had been contained.
“The fire has been contained, thanks to the efforts of the County Fire Team and Kenya Red Cross first responders. Seven staff quarters have been affected. Ongoing assessments are underway to evaluate the extent of the damage and plan for recovery,” the Kenya Red Cross statement read.
However, no casualties or injuries were reported in the Lang’ata Women’s Maximum Security Prison fire.
Also Read: Several Feared Trapped as Fire Breaks Out in Kangemi Residential Buildings
King’ong’o Prison Fire Leaves Warders Homeless
Fires have also destroyed prison staff housing at King’ong’o Prison in Nyeri County.
In one major incident, 36 prison warders and their families were left homeless after a fire destroyed their living quarters.
According to the prison officials, the blaze reportedly started around 1 am and spread rapidly through closely built residential units.
In a separate case, another fire at King’ong’o Prison in December 2022 affected a section of the staff quarters, with seven households losing property.
Also Read: Fire Breaks Out at Mike Sonko’s Office
Nairobi West Prison Also Hit by Fires
Nairobi West Prison has similarly recorded fires involving staff housing. In 2020, more than 60 families were left homeless after their houses were destroyed in a fire at the Nairobi West prison quarters.
An earlier fire at the same prison also destroyed a section of staff houses.
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