Four killed, including school teacher survived by wife and children, thousands affected
NAIROBI, KENYA—CFK Africa, an international nonprofit with offices in Kenya and the U.S., is asking for donations to provide relief to individuals affected by Saturday’s early morning fire at Toi Market in Kibera, the largest informal settlement in the country, located on the outskirts of Nairobi. The tragedy took the lives of four residents, including one of CFK Africa’s collaborators.
“Over the weekend, our emergency response team worked closely with the Kibera Community Emergency Response Team,” said CFK Africa Executive Director Jeffrey Okoro. “We extend our heartfelt sympathies to all affected by this tragedy and commend the bravery of our team and all first responders”
While emergency responders were on the scene, they could not contain the fire, resulting in significant losses for the Kibera residents who conduct business there.
A bustling and vibrant community center, Toi Market is home to at least 2,000 juakali/craftsmen and traders who are now counting huge losses. CFK Africa seeks to raise $10,000 to provide direct assistance to victims of the fire.
The fire cost the lives of four residents, including an educator involved in CFK Africa’s Best Schools Initiative (BSI). Known as Teacher Billy, he was the head instructor and administrator at the Oloo Education Center, which adopted the BSI’s affordable fee intervention to encourage children to come to school. CFK Africa’s BSI tests cost-effective practices to strengthen education in informal schools, transforming the education of over 5,700 students annually.
A collaborator with CFK Africa since 2018, Teacher Billy exemplified youth leadership with his dedication to improving education outcomes in Kibera. He is survived by his wife, Mercy, and two children.
“We were devastated to learn the news about Teacher Billy,” added Okoro. “He was a cherished part of our community and his dedication to making school affordable and his passion for working with students will not be forgotten.”
Meanwhile, another one of Kibera’s schools engaged in CFK Africa’s BSI project, Restoration Rescue Center, is situated in the Toi Market, but was spared by the fire over the weekend. It currently serves as a refuge center for those affected by the tragic event.
To donate to CFK Africa’s fundraiser for victims of the Toi Market fire, click here: https://cfkafrica.org/donate-to-victims-of-toi-market-fire/.
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About CFK Africa
Founded in 2001, CFK Africa works to improve public health and economic prosperity in informal settlements in Kenya through integrated health and youth leadership initiatives. Using a participatory development approach, the organization works directly with community residents to develop and implement sustainable programs. After marking 20 years of service in Kibera in 2021, CFK began expanding to 25 informal settlements across eight counties in Kenya, including Kajiado, Kiambu, Kilifi, Kisumu, Machakos, Mombasa, Nairobi and Nakuru.
For more information, visit www.cfkafrica.org.
