A gas explosion in Mukuru Kwa Reuben has destroyed several homes.
The earlyTuesday gas explosion sparked a massive fire, sending thick black smoke billowing into the sky.
According to witnesses, the fire started mid-morning in one of the houses and quickly spread to adjacent structures in the densely populated slum.
Attempts by the residents to fight the flames were in vain.
A video posted online shows desperate residents battling the flames using limited resources as fire fighting engines were yet to arrive.
“We need fire fighters to help contain this fire, we have not been able to contain it. Houses are burning down one by one,” an eyewitness said.
The situation was exacerbated by the lack of water in the area, as the slum has experienced water shortages in recent days.
“We don’t have any water, water was cut totally and houses are continuing to go down in flames,” the eyewitness added, highlighting the dire circumstances they found themselves in.
Tuesday's inferno was the latest tragedy after another fire broke out in the same slum a few weeks ago.
The repeated fires are raising serious concerns about the safety of infrastructure in Nairobi’s informal settlements where fires have become common place.
Mukuru Kwa Reuben and other slum areas have experienced a disturbing trend of frequent fire incidents, leaving residents vulnerable in the absence of emergency services.
Following Tuesday's incident, videos posted on social media showed flames raging uncontrollably with clouds of smoke darkening the sky.
The extent of the damage was yet to be established, but numerous structures have already been reduced to ashes as first responders scramble to put out the fire.
Residents have continued to appeal for urgent help, fearing the fire might consume even more homes if not contained quickly.
The incident adds to growing concerns over the increasing number of fire-related disasters in Nairobi’s informal settlements.