The UAP owned 33-storey Old Mutual Tower office complex in Nairobi’s Upper Hill last night became the first casualty of the much ignored government directive on compliance with Explosives Act after a fire broke out during the New Year celebrations after fireworks display went awry.
The inferno is believed to have been caused by fireworks stage at the peak of the skyscraper shortly after midnight today.
The much downplayed mishap by the Old Mutual management came hours after the office of the Cabinet Secretary for Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs Salim Mvurya issued a fireworks advisory ahead of New Year’s celebrations directing for mandatory acquisition of permits for those wishing to showcase fireworks.
Onlookers who were celebrating the new year transition were thrown into a panic mode shortly after a spectacular New Year fireworks display illuminated the city’s skyline from the iconic Old Mutual Tower, the building caught fire.
The incident left onlookers both thrilled and fearful as they were immersed in a sensory experience of music and lights moments after ushering in the New Year.
Images and videos circulated on social media showed thick black smoke billowing from the building with visible fire that was quickly put out. There were no reports of casualties.
In what seemed to be a move to downplay the almost tragic occurrence, in one of the engagements on Old Mutual official X handle, in response to the fire panic notice raised by CNN’s reporter Larry Madowo, Old Mutual said that: “When the building heard ‘light up the sky,’ it took things a bit too seriously. Now it’s the star of its own show.”
“The Old Mutual Tower in Nairobi caught fire after these fireworks display. Organizers say the fire has now been contained and there were no casualties.” Madowo posted on his X handle.
However, attempts by The Informer Media Group to reach the Old Mutual Tower management to confirm whether or not they had acquired the fireworks permit proved futile as their official phones went unanswered by the time of going to publication.
The State Department for Mining required all Kenyans planning to showcase fireworks to obtain permits.
The directive, outlined in accordance with the Explosives Act, emphasizes strict regulations governing the sale and usage of fireworks.
The department, in a statement on their X handle, directed that officers from the State Department of Mining must be present during any New Year fireworks displays. The measure aims to ensure compliance with safety protocols and mitigate potential risks associated with fireworks.
“It has become a tradition in towns and cities that every New Year’s Eve is marked by spectacular display of fireworks. The thrill and excitement of having the night skies lit by explosion of fire and dazzling lights is an experience fireworks’ enthusiasts look forward to. However, danger always lurks. 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.” The statement read in part.
The tower management, in a quick dispatch to newsrooms confirmed the fire incident saying firefighters had already responded and addressed the situation.
“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.” The statement read in part.
According to the company website, the UAP Old Mutual Group is now Old Mutual East Africa Group and operates in Kenya, Uganda, South Sudan, Rwanda, and Tanzania.
The Old Mutual East Africa Group comprises Old Mutual Holdings PLC (formerly UAP Holdings PLC) and its subsidiaries; which include Old Mutual General Insurance Kenya Limited (formerly UAP Insurance Company Limited) and Old Mutual Life Assurance Kenya Limited (formerly UAP Life Assurance Limited) and Old Mutual East Africa Holdings Group Limited (formerly Old Mutual Holdings Limited) and its subsidiaries; Old Mutual Life Assurance Company Limited (operating as a closed fund), Old Mutual Investment Group and Faulu Microfinance Bank.
The Old Mutual East Africa Group was formed in 2015 after Old mutual East Africa Holdings Group Limited acquired a controlling stake in Faulu Microfinance Bank in 2014 and Old Mutual Holdings PLC (formerly UAP Holdings Limited) in 2015.
The Group operates an integrated financial services business model and is one of the largest in East Africa, offering insurance, investment, banking, and savings solutions.
Old Mutual East Africa Group rebranded from UAP Old Mutual Group on the 17th of May 2022. The Old Mutual East Africa Group (the Group) is part of Old Mutual Limited (OML), a premium African financial services group that offers a broad spectrum of financial solutions to retail and corporate customers across key markets in 14 countries.
As part of OML, the Group prides of leveraging on technology and technical expertise to better serve customers.
