Golden Africa Ltd counted losses after an oil-based fire erupted at its Machakos facility along the Nairobi–Mombasa Highway late Monday night, prompting an extensive emergency response.
The Machakos County Emergency and Disaster Operations Centre received a distress call at approximately 11:03 pm reporting the fire outbreak.
In a statement issued via her X account, Machakos County Governor Wavinya Ndeti said, “We swiftly deployed county emergency response teams, responding within the critical golden hour. Our firefighters are being supported by the Nairobi City County Fire Brigade, G4S, and the National Youth Service.”
She noted that the fire had escalated from a typical blaze to an oil-based fire, making containment efforts “inherently more complex and require careful management to ensure the safety of both responders and the public, as well as to protect property and salvage valuable assets.”
Authorities on the scene focused on safety and asset protection, working to prevent the fire from spreading further while assessing damages. Preliminary reports indicate significant losses, though there were no immediate reports of casualties.
Governor Ndeti expressed appreciation for the company’s cooperation, stating, “I appreciate the management of Golden Africa Ltd for their cooperation throughout the response.”
She also reassured the public and investors that the county was prepared to handle emergencies. “Machakos County remains vigilant and prepared, with the capacity and coordination required to manage emergencies effectively,” she added.
The response reflects a coordinated multi-agency effort, underscoring the importance of preparedness in managing industrial accidents.
Residents in nearby areas have been urged to stay clear of the facility while authorities continue assessments and firefighting operations.
As investigations and damage evaluations continue, officials emphasize that safety remains the top priority, alongside the protection of property and valuable assets.
