Nairobi Governor Sakaja announces exemption of medical fees for victims of Embakasi fire

Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has announced the exemption of medical fees for persons affected by the destructive fire that occurred in Embakasi on Thursday night.

In a statement on Friday, Sakaja, while sympathising with the affected, said the exemption of medical fees applies exclusively to public county hospitals.

"Currently, all County Health and Medical teams are also managing the situation and also working hand in hand with the County Disaster and Risk management teams who continue to provide the necessary support to the victims of the fire incident," said Sakaja in the statement seen by Citizen Digital.  

"The County Government has also waived all medical fees at the County facilities attending to the injured and bereaved. We have also mobilised relief items, in conjunction with other agencies, to ensure the comfort of all those affected."

Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura said the duo died while undergoing treatment at the Nairobi West Hospital.

Mwaura added that 222 others were injured and have been rushed to various hospitals as follows: 21 at the Kenyatta National Hospital and 160 at Mama Lucy General Hospital.

19 others are at Mbagathi Hospital, 14 at Modern Komarock Hospital, and 8 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 noted in a statement.