New Year Celebrations: Old Mutual Building Catches Fire Moments After Fireworks Display

• Old Mutual Towers caught fire shortly after a beautiful New Year’s fireworks display that was featured on various international news sites as Kenya welcomed 2024
• The cause of the fire remained unclear, with speculation on social media suggesting it was ignited by the pyrotechnics
• The building’s management confirmed the fire, which started on a top-floor balcony, had been contained

Didacus Malowa, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over three years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.

Nairobi - The iconic Old Mutual Towers has caught fire moments after a fireworks display to usher in the new year.

Images from the location showed huge black smoke billowing from the tall building, which was featured on various international news sites as the country welcomed the new year.

As music played from the background, revellers could be heard screaming in both excitement and fear.

It is not yet clear what ignited the fire, despite speculation being rife on social media platforms that it was caused by pyrotechnics during the magnificent display.

How did Old Mutual respond to fire in the building

In a statement on X, the building's management acknowledged that there was an incident after the fireworks display.

They explained that the fire that started on the top floor's balcony after the beautiful display had since been 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," read the statement.

Government issues advisory on fireworks

Earlier, the government issued an advisory on fireworks, requiring Kenyans to seek permits before the displays.

The Principal Secretary for Mining, Elijah Mwangi, warned of the safety risks associated with fireworks.

"By their very nature, fireworks are 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," he stated.

Mwangi emphasised the need for responsibility and protection of lives, requiring Kenyans 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 display 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," continued his statement.

Officials within the State Department for Mining were tasked with ensuring safety compliance during fireworks displays.