About 20 people have died as a result of fires in Nairobi County in the past two months, a report by Nairobi County Disaster Management has revealed.

According to the report 15 of those who have died are children.

The county recorded more than 130 fire incidents between August 3 and September 21.

The settlement areas of Kibera, Mukuru (Kwa Njenga and Kwa Reuben), Mathare, Kawangware and Kangemi have been particularly hard hit.

“The investigations conducted so far reveal that the leading causes of these fires are, illegal electricity connections, unattended cooking appliances and suspected acts of arson arising from domestic violence or even business rivalry,” Disaster Management and Coordination Chief Officer Bramwell Simiyu.

He added that the City County Disaster Management Officers working with other emergency response workers have intensified efforts to create fire safety awareness and preparedness in the informal settlements as well as in schools and other educational institutions.

The increased fire incidents come despite governor Johnson Sakaja committing millions to address the menace.

For instance, in the current financial year 2023/24, the county allocated about Sh 100 million for the construction of fire markets in Kangemi and Gikomba markets through the projects are yet to kick start.

According to Sakaja the stations were expected to improve the county disaster management ability to respond swiftly and effectively.

According to data, most fires were from informal settlements with children dying as a result of inhaling smoke.

Data reveals that the first incident was reported in august 3 when fire gutted Toi Market in Kibra claiming four lives.

Another one was reported August 9 near Southernbypass and left two lives dead.

On September 13 another fire was reported in the Majengo area leaving four children dead.

The county continues to struggle to contain fires as it relies on pre-colonial fire stations, including the Koja fire station along Tom Mboya Street built around 1907 and the industrial area one that was built around 1957.

Other fire stations in Nairobi are in Kangundo Road, Waithaka, Gigiri and Ruaraka.