NAIROBI, Kenya- A second fire outbreak has struck the bustling Luthuli Avenue commercial area in Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD), sending thick plumes of smoke into the evening sky and raising fresh concerns about fire safety in one of the city’s busiest business hubs.
The latest blaze broke out on Saturday evening, January 10, near Munyu Road, a junction off Luthuli Avenue known for its dense concentration of electronics, mobile phone and accessories shops.
Emergency crews, including the Nairobi County Fire Brigade and Kenya Red Cross Action Teams, were on the scene battling the flames and working to prevent the fire from spreading to adjacent structures.
Kenya Red Cross confirmed the incident on its official X account, stating that emergency teams are at the scene as containment efforts continue.
Fire incident in Luthuli, Nairobi County.Emergency teams are at the scene as containment efforts continue.
Authorities urged members of the public to avoid the area as rescue operations proceeded amid heavy smoke and heat.
This latest fire comes just days after a major blaze tore through Ramogi House on Luthuli Avenue, first reported on January 6, 2026.
That fire destroyed several shops before firefighters managed to extinguish it — only for the building to catch fire again on January 7, complicating earlier containment efforts.
Impact on Traders and Emergency Response
Traders along Luthuli Avenue — many of whom operate on tight margins — have suffered significant losses to stock and property in the recent spate of fires.
Videos circulating online showed massive flames and thick smoke engulfing buildings, prompting swift action from firefighters and alerting nearby shop owners to evacuate safely.
Police have stepped up surveillance in the area to deter looting and maintain order as crowds gathered to watch the emergency response unfold.
The cause of the most recent fire is still under investigation, while preliminary assessments from the earlier Ramogi House blaze pointed to probable electrical faults during routine repair works.
Fire Safety Concerns in Nairobi CBD
The recurring fire incidents in a short span have highlighted broader safety challenges in Nairobi’s central business district, where narrow streets, high volumes of electrical equipment and older building designs can complicate emergency responses.
Nairobi County fire officials have previously pointed to building design issues, such as limited exits, as major obstacles during firefighting operations.
Such constraints make it harder to reach internal hotspots quickly and ensure full evacuation when flames break out.
Luthuli Avenue remains a critical commercial artery for Nairobi’s economy, but the recent blazes have underscored the need for enhanced fire safety standards, better early warning systems, and stronger enforcement of building safety regulations to protect both property and livelihoods.
Authorities continue to investigate the latest fire and are expected to provide updates as damage assessments and safety inspections proceed.
