Fire ravages vehicles at Kilimani garage

Aerial view of fire that broke in Kilimani, Nairobi on September 7, 2026. [Courtesy]

A fire that broke out at a garage off Ole Dume Road in Kilimani, Nairobi, has destroyed several vehicles, leaving mechanics and vehicle owners counting heavy losses.

Customer Service Chief Officer Geoffrey Mosiria confirmed that firefighters and emergency response teams from Nairobi County Disaster Management battled the blaze for more than four hours before bringing it under control.

Mosiria said the county received a distress call at the County Disaster Management Centre and immediately dispatched a response team to the scene.

“The fire took more than four hours to contain because it involved vehicles, petrol, and many other highly flammable materials stored inside the garage,” Mosiria said.

Mosiria visited the garage and coordinated the firefighting operation alongside disaster management officers, local residents and mechanics.

He said the fire reportedly spread rapidly through the garage, where vehicles and combustible materials provided ample fuel for the flames. "Several vehicles were reduced to shells, with some reportedly burned beyond repair," he said.

The presence of petrol and other flammable substances complicated efforts to extinguish the blaze, exposing firefighters and other responders to additional danger.

Mosiria described the operation as “a very difficult and dangerous” exercise, praising emergency personnel for working tirelessly until the fire was contained.

“Our teams worked tirelessly to bring the situation under control,” he said.

He also acknowledged the role played by residents and mechanics who supported the emergency response, saying their cooperation helped the teams manage the incident.

The latest fire adds to growing concerns over safety in garages and informal vehicle repair yards in Nairobi, where vehicles, fuel, oils, gas cylinders, spare parts and other combustible materials are often handled within confined spaces.

"Such facilities can present a significant fire risk, particularly where flammable liquids are stored close to ignition sources or where emergency access is restricted," he added.

Mosiria expressed sympathy for those affected, saying the county shared their pain following the destruction.

“Our thoughts are with the mechanics and vehicle owners who have suffered losses tonight,” he said.

He assured Nairobi residents that the county would continue responding to emergencies and working to safeguard lives and property.

“We will continue doing everything possible to respond to emergencies and protect lives and property across Nairobi,” Mosiria said.

The cause of the fire and the exact value of property destroyed had not been established.