Normal operations were disrupted along Luthuli Avenue in Nairobi’s Central Business District on Tuesday evening after a fire broke out at Ramogi Building, causing panic among traders and pedestrians.
Preliminary reports indicate that the blaze started on the ground floor of the multi-storey building, which houses several electronic shops dealing in mobile phones, accessories and electrical appliances. Thick black smoke quickly billowed into the air, prompting shop owners to hurriedly salvage goods as crowds gathered around the scene.
Witnesses said the fire is suspected to have been triggered by an electrical fault, though authorities are yet to confirm the exact cause. Business activities along the busy avenue were brought to a halt as police moved in to cordon off the area and control crowds, citing safety concerns.
Fire engines from the Nairobi County Fire and Rescue Service were dispatched to the scene and battled the flames for several hours to prevent the fire from spreading to adjacent buildings. Their efforts were supported by police officers and members of the public, who assisted in evacuating people from the premises.
By evening, the fire had been largely contained, although smoke continued to rise from parts of the building. No casualties had been reported at the time of publishing, but traders expressed fears of heavy losses, particularly those whose shops were located on the affected floor.
Authorities have launched investigations to establish the cause of the fire as assessments of the extent of damage continue.
Normal operations have been brought to a standstill along Luthuli Avenue in Nairobi CBD after a fire broke out this evening. Preliminary reports indicate the blaze started at Ramogi Building, home to several electronic shops on the ground floor. pic.twitter.com/UPTbkfZrl9
— The Kenyan Vigilante (@KenyanSays) January 6, 2026