Mathare slum hit by fire

Fire in mathare slum, Nairobi

On 14 January, we received reports from our Kenyan church partners about a fire in the Mathare valley slum. The fire was caused by an electrical wiring fault, and destroyed an estimated 200 homes. 

Two Compassion church partners, Mianjo Kubwa Child Development Centre and Mathare Child Development Centre, have been affected. 18 sponsored children have lost their homes. 

The government and local community groups have been quick to take action, distributing emergency food and bedding. They have already started to reconstruct homes. 

Our partner churches are also providing families with emergency shelter, as well as food and water thanks to funds from RESPOND. A Compassion social worker has begun visiting families to offer vital emotional support. 

Please pray for all those impacted by the Mathare fire

• Pray for God’s provision for the children and families left homeless. The fire destroyed the homes and belongings of those already battling extreme poverty. Pray the most vulnerable families would know God’s peace and miraculous provision over the upcoming weeks.
• Lift up the local churches in the Mathare slum valley. Ask that they would be beacons of hope and support during this incredibly difficult time.
• Pray for protection over the Mathare slum community, particularly the children who call it home. The second largest slum in Nairobi, Mathare has a reputation for extreme poverty, crime and overcrowding.