Home / City-Affairs

State distributes aid to Embakasi blast victims

Government spokesperson Isaac Mwaura. (X/Isaac Mwaura)

By Lucy Mumbi | 03 Feb 2024

The Thursday night inferno has so far claimed three lives and left over 280 others injured.

Government bodies and organizations have partnered to offer support to the families affected by the fire incident in Embakasi.

Keep reading

Government spokesperson Isaac Mwaura said the victims have already received 680 bags of rice, 1,000 bags of beans, and 50 cartons of corned beef.

Additionally, the state has provided several essential items including 600 blankets for offering warmth and comfort to the victims.

3,000 plates and an equal number of spoons have also been distributed.

"Furthermore, 50 cartons of bar soaps, 20 bales of sanitary towels and 600 portable stoves are being supplied to meet the everyday needs of the victims," Mwaura said.

He noted that the county government of Nairobi is hosting victims in various halls, providing food for all victims.

"120 blankets are being offered for added comfort, along with essential supplies like drinking water, five bales of sugar and 5 bales of rice to cater to the basic dietary needs of the affected individuals," he said.

He reiterated that the County would cater for all the medical bills of those affected by the inferno.

Mwaura added that the Kenya Red Cross and United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) have supplied 300 boxes of sanitary towels, 1,500 undergarments, 100 mama kits, and 100 dignity kits.

"They have also provided 40 beds, 663 blankets, 663 mosquito nets, 663 jerricans, 330 bed sheets, and 160 pillows which will ensure that the victims have the necessary bedding and personal items to maintain a semblance of normalcy in these trying times," he said.

Further, the Ministry of Health has distributed 10 trauma kits across various hospitals to ensure the medical needs of the injured are met promptly.

Of the total, three have been distributed to Kenyatta National Hospital, two to Mbagathi Hospital, two to Mama Lucy Hospital and one to Komarock Hospital.

"In addition to the medical supplies, the Ministry is coordinating patient referrals and the provision of blood products, offering psychosocial support, and ensuring nutrition support for lactating mothers. The number of medical personnel has been increased to provide adequate care to the victims," he said.

The Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investments, Mwaura said, is addressing the economic impact of the tragedy by focusing on the needs of the 72 business units including kiosks for hustlers such as mama mboga that were destroyed in the incident.

He emphasized the approach highlights the government's commitment to economic recovery alongside human welfare.

The World Health Organization has also supplied 500 emergency kits tailored for the treatment of burns and fractures.

Mwaura said the UN Resident Coordinator's Initiative is facilitating a unified response by mobilizing various UN agencies through the Office of the Deputy President to ascertain and deliver targeted support for the victims.

"To this end, the UN has already mobilized from UNHCR; 1,000 blankets, 1,000 sleeping mats, 1,200 plastic tarpaulins, and 600 kitchen sets," he said.

The Thursday night inferno has so far claimed three lives and left over 280 others injured.

Several families have been displaced and properties destroyed.