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Panic engulfed the city of Nairobi after Old Mutual Building caught fire after displaying beautiful fire works that Ushered Kenyans into the new year. The building which is located in Nairobi’s swanky Upper Hill burst into frames. It’s rooftop has earlier been a canvas of a dazzling fireworks display.
The cause of the fire by the time of filing this story was not immediately known but reports link to the fireworks which had been lit minutes before or electric short circuits. There were no causalities reported but concerns have been mounting for the safety of employees and guests who may have been inside the building during the fireworks display.
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Kenyan government has earlier asked Kenyans to seek permission before displaying fireworks. It issued an advisory through the Principal Secretary for Mining Elijah Mwangi who warned of the safety risks associated with fireworks.
“By their very nature, fireworks re explosives. They are dangerous. Any careless handling has potential to turn into a serious accident, trigger fire outbreaks, cause loss of property and even deaths-Mwangi stated
The principal secretary further emphasized the need to responsibility and protection of lives, requiring every one to seek permission to use fireworks.
“Protection of lives and property calls for strict regulations and control of sale, storage and usage of fireworks as stipulated under Explosives Act. Persons intending to stage fireworks are required to get a permit from the Inspector of Explosives under the SDM. As you celebrate and make merry, always think about your safety and that of your loved ones,”-his statement further reads.
Old Mutual would later come out to issue a statement indicating that the fire had ben contained.
We acknowledge there was a minor incident after the New Year Fireworks celebration at the Old Mutual Tower. This was on the balcony of a top floor and it has since been contained.
We thank all our celebrants for the notifications and we wish you all a Happy 2024. pic.twitter.com/gFXTwXVHpG— Old Mutual Kenya (@OldMutual_Ke) December 31, 2023
In Uganda, the responsibility to issue permissions for those who want to display fireworks s only with the Uganda Police which normally comes out with a list of those who applied and successfully met all the conditions to be allowed to display fire works and this last year 1907 venues had been cleared to display the fireworks.
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