Today’s Fuel Explosion in Nairobi
September 12, 2011 · Print This Article
I’ve got a special place in my heart for East Africa, having visited there three times and with investments in Pengo Loans and Think Impact, both with operations in Kenya. After visiting the Kibera slum in Nairobi in 2009 to see the work of Carolina for Kibera, I feel especially for those who are living day-to-day in the slums of Nairobi and other parts of the developing world.
Today in a Nairobi slum called Sinai a fuel pipeline starting leaking. Immediately hundreds of people gathered around, grabbing every container they could to capture the fuel. Soon thereafter, the pipeline caught fire and exploded. At least 100 people immediately burned to death in the explosion and ensuing house fires in the densely concentrated slums. Another 120 went to the hospital with severe burns.
Below is a news video of the story from the local Kenyan NTV. Take a look at the living conditions of these communities. Often without electricity, running water, and sewage. Yes, it’s true that 39% of the world survive on less than $2 per day (a per capita income of $730 per year), and yet so few people are aware of this. For those of us in the United States living on an average of $130 per day (the U.S. per capital income as of 2011 is $47,240), this type of existence is surely hard to fathom.
And here is another video from NTV showing some of the burn videos in the hospital (warning: graphic):
Here’s the NY Times article.
I applaud and commend your ability to give so unselfishly to others in need. You are acquiring lessons for a lifetime. Cheers! Elaine Morton
That does not happen only in kenya even in Tanzania people are living below $1 per day, and in otherarea access to education,water is very hard
I now work and live in East Africa after 15 years living and working in London, UK. The poverty you see daily from Nairobi to Dar es Salaam is shocking and painful. Yet if the local governments became more efficient in the allocation of resources, and reduce corruption, so many more would be fed daily, doctors would be paid better and avoidmoving overseas in search of better pay.