Laikipia Deputy Governor Reuben Kamuri held a press conference on Thursday, March 6 to discuss the recent fire breakages in the county. During the conference, the Deputy Governor expressed deep concern over the frequency and severity of the fires, which have left many families homeless and caused substantial financial losses.
One of the most notable incidents occurred in Manguu, Nyahururu town, where a fierce fire destroyed rental houses, reducing property of unknown value to ashes. The fire, which started from one of the wooden houses, quickly spread to neighboring homes, leaving residents helpless as they watched their belongings go up in flames. Efforts to extinguish the fire were hampered by the lack of water in the Nyahururu fire engine, leading to frustration and anger among the affected residents.
Kamuri acknowledged the shortcomings of the county’s fire response system and assured residents that steps are being taken to improve the situation. He announced plans to acquire additional fire engines and ensure that they are adequately equipped to handle emergencies. He also emphasized the importance of community involvement in fire prevention and urged residents to take necessary precautions to avoid such incidents in the future.
In addition to addressing the immediate concerns, the Deputy Governor highlighted the need for long-term solutions to prevent fire breakages. He mentioned that the county government is working on implementing stricter building codes and regulations to ensure that structures are built with fire safety in mind. Furthermore, the Deputy Governor called for increased funding for the fire department to enhance its capacity to respond to emergencies effectively.
