Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has announced an exemption of medical fees for individuals affected by the devastating fire that occurred in Embakasi on Thursday night.
In a statement released on Friday, Sakaja expressed sympathy for the victims and specified that the waiver of medical fees is applicable solely to public county hospitals.
“Currently, all County Health and Medical teams are also managing the situation and working in collaboration with the County Disaster and Risk Management teams, who continue to provide necessary support to the victims of the fire incident. The County Government has also waived all medical fees at the County facilities attending to the injured and bereaved,” the statement reads in part.
“We have also mobilized relief items, in conjunction with other agencies, to ensure the comfort of all those affected,” Sakaja added.
Two individuals have unfortunately succumbed to burns inflicted during the tragic incident that occurred in Embakasi’s Mradi area.
According to government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura, the deceased passed away while undergoing treatment at Nairobi West Hospital.
Additionally, 222 others sustained injuries and have been rushed to various hospitals. Of the injured, 21 are admitted at Kenyatta National Hospital, 160 at Mama Lucy General Hospital, and 19 at Mbagathi Hospital.
Another 14 are admitted at Modern Komarock Hospital with the remaining 8 receiving treatment at Nairobi West Hospital.
“One lorry of an unknown registration number that was loaded with gas exploded, igniting a huge ball of fire that spread widely. A flying gas cylinder hit Oriental Godown, burning down the said godown which deals with garments and textiles,” Mwaura explained.
Following the incident, Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris shared a post on social media consoling with the victims of the incident. She subsequently cut short her working trip and boarded a flight to help with relief efforts.
