Emergency services evacuated numerous individuals from Yare Plaza, a high-rise commercial building in Eastleigh, Nairobi, following a fire outbreak.
Police confirmed that the building, located on Yusuf Haji Avenue, was occupied by many tenants at the time. The fire ignited in the middle of the seven-story structure, leaving several people trapped inside.
Yare Plaza primarily houses vendors selling various goods, particularly clothing. Firefighters managed to contain the blaze over two hours after it began, with Nairobi police chief George Seda reporting that all tenants were safely evacuated.
Some individuals sustained minor injuries while escaping the flames. “The cause of the fire remains unknown, but emergency teams successfully rescued everyone trapped,” Seda stated.
Investigations into the fire’s origin are ongoing. Public members aided emergency teams in devising rescue methods, as thick smoke billowed from the burning building, raising concerns about those still inside.
One man was spotted climbing out using an electrical earthing wire, while some businessmen attempted to salvage their goods. The Nairobi County Government dispatched a fire truck to extinguish the flames and prevent the fire from spreading to nearby structures.
Police also arrived to support rescue efforts and deter looting attempts. This incident occurred just a month after another fire incident in the Nairobi Central Business District.
On January 6, 2026, another plaza caught fire, originating from its top floors. Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) 2007 and the Fire Risk Reduction Rules 2007, businesses must maintain functional fire safety equipment, including extinguishers and alarms, or face fines of up to Sh500,000.
A campaign is underway to ensure that all city structures implement necessary safety measures for tenants.
