Kenyan-born international DJ, producer, promoter and entrepreneur Fully Focus has called for improvements to Kenya’s emergency response system after recounting a late-night fire incident near his home in Nairobi.
The entertainer shared the experience on his X account, saying a fire broke out at around 3 am at a neighbouring construction site. According to his post, he immediately attempted to alert emergency responders but was unable to get through using the country’s national emergency numbers.
“Last night at 3 AM, a fire broke out next to my place in Nairobi at a construction site. When I tried to call for help, all the emergency numbers 999, 911 & 112 were automated with no answer. I had to Google the fire department number, which was a regular phone number…”
Fully Focus said the experience left him questioning the effectiveness of emergency communication channels during situations where every minute can make a difference.
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The DJ explained that, before firefighters could arrive, the owners of the construction site reached the scene and managed to extinguish the flames themselves, preventing the fire from spreading to nearby properties.
“Luckily, 15 min later the owners of the property came & put out the fire themselves before it spread. They were fortunate, but to think if that was a family home with kids it would be a different story. Still can’t fathom. This has to be changed.”
His post has drawn attention to the importance of accessible and responsive emergency services, particularly during fires and other incidents that require immediate intervention.
Emergency response under scrutiny
Kenya recognises 999, 911 and 112 as national emergency numbers, while county governments also operate dedicated fire and rescue services. In Nairobi, the county’s Fire and Rescue Services are responsible for responding to fires, road traffic accidents and other emergencies across the city.
According to Nairobi City County, the fire service operates from six fire stations located in different parts of the capital to improve response times. Residents are encouraged to report fires immediately while ensuring they evacuate affected areas and keep a safe distance from the incident.
Recent fire incidents
Among the most notable was the fire at the Nairobi Pipeline estate, where multiple homes and businesses were destroyed after flames spread rapidly through the densely populated neighbourhood. The city has also experienced fires in informal settlements and industrial areas, prompting repeated calls for stronger fire prevention measures and faster emergency response.
While the causes of these incidents have varied, they have underscored the importance of timely reporting, accessible emergency services and swift intervention to prevent loss of life and minimise property damage.
