Panic is reported at the Kwale County Assembly after a fire break out in a building housing solar power equipment, prompting workers and members of the public to scramble to contain the flames before firefighters arrived.

The fire broke out in part of the building within the County Assembly compound, which neighbours the Kwale Law Courts and the Kwale water supply company, raising fears that the flames could spread to nearby facilities.

County Assembly staff were among those who attempted to put out the fire using available means as smoke and flames billowed from the affected section of the building.

Firefighters later arrived at the scene and managed to contain the blaze before it could spread to neighbouring buildings.

The cause of the fire remains unknown, while the extent of the damage is yet to be established.

Witnesses said the incident has raised concerns over the county’s preparedness to respond to fire emergencies, particularly in areas hosting critical public institutions.

Motorcycle taxi operator Bakari Katana, who witnessed the incident, described the scene as tense as workers and members of the public tried to respond to the fire.

Kwale County Chairman of the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Bakari Mkumbuka Banzi, called for improved emergency preparedness, saying delayed response to fires could expose businesses and public property to significant losses.

Another witness, Joyce Jambi, said the incident caused panic among people who were passing through the area when the fire broke out.

Residents are now calling on the Kwale County Government to fast-track the acquisition and deployment of fire-fighting vehicles to strategic areas across the county to improve emergency response.

Authorities have yet to establish the official cause of the fire or give an estimate of the value of the solar equipment and other property damaged in the incident.