Embakasi residents struggle to rebuild lives after gas explosion

But even though they shelter here, they don't know what's next for them; mothers swaddling their babies, while others look on pensively, anxiety  about their future written on their faces. 

Mercy Waithera and Teresa Mayieka are filled with worry. 

As night falls and Monday approaches, they are worried about how their young ones will go to school. 

They claim that when the fire broke out, their school uniforms and learning materials caught fire. 

“Niko na watoto, mmoja ako Embakasi Primary sijui ya kufanya ili kesho aende shule. naomba usaidizi vile nitaendeleza maisha na watoto wasome,” Waithera told Citizen TV on Sunday. 

“Walikua waende shule kesho sina naything nilichomkewa kila kitu. sasa ile stress tuko nayo ni watoto kwenda shule. na inafaa tukae kwa nyumba yetu tu prepare watoto wakienda shule,” another victim, Teresa Mayiaka said

However, government spokesperson Isaac Mwaura has assured the affected families that the government is coordinating support to ensure that the learning of students whose homes were burned down is not disrupted.

Mwaura stated that the number of children who need to go to school tomorrow but do not have uniforms must be determined in order for us to determine the type of support they will require. 

“Of course, they’ll have to go without the uniform in the meantime but we estimate around 6,000 for everyone for the next 3 months through cash transfer so that at least they are able to get out of the social hall."

Mwaura says the death toll from the fire has risen to six, with two more people dying while being treated on Sunday. 

The government spokesperson added that the government will continue to assist those affected, including those who have been released from the hospital, with the majority suffering from severe burns. 

“The burns on the skin will have an effect on the kidney because the body discharges waste through the skin so there maybe kidney complications but KNH and KUTRH are prepared for that so that we are able to take care of such complications and many others that may arise out of this crisis,” Mwaura added. 

Mwaura has assured the victims of the tragedy that the government will ensure that the owner of the gas filling plant compensates all affected individuals, even as the police investigate him.