INFERNO AT GIKOMBA: Hundreds of Stalls Destroyed as Traders Count Millions in Losses

By Samwel Oyondi

Traders at Nairobi's Gikomba Market are counting massive losses after a devastating fire broke out on Saturday, June 21, razing hundreds of stalls and destroying goods worth millions of shillings.

The blaze spread rapidly through sections of the bustling open-air market, leaving many traders helpless as their businesses went up in flames.

Authorities said the cause of the fire has not yet been established, with investigations currently underway. Emergency response teams, including firefighters, police officers, and rescue personnel, were deployed to contain the inferno and assist affected victims.

Officials confirmed that several people sustained injuries, while others lost their lives during the tragedy.

"We are investigating the cause of the fire and will provide a comprehensive report once investigations are complete," an official stated.

Several traders expressed frustration over what they described as a delayed emergency response, claiming more property could have been saved had firefighters arrived sooner.

"We watched everything burn. If firefighters had arrived earlier, many businesses could have been saved," lamented one trader.

The incident has renewed calls for improved emergency preparedness, with traders urging the government to increase the number of fire stations, enhance water supply systems, and strengthen disaster response mechanisms in major markets.

Gikomba Market has experienced several major fire outbreaks over the past decade. Experts have often attributed the recurring incidents to poor electrical connections, overcrowding, and inadequate firefighting infrastructure. The repeated disasters have left thousands of traders struggling to recover financially.

As one of Kenya's largest open-air markets, Gikomba supports thousands of small businesses and serves customers from across the country. The latest fire has disrupted economic activity and threatened the livelihoods of many families.

Government officials who visited the scene assured traders that investigations would be thorough and pledged support to help those affected recover.

"Our priority is to establish the cause of the fire and assist victims in rebuilding their businesses," a government representative said.

As cleanup operations continue, affected traders are appealing for financial assistance and stronger fire prevention measures to protect the market from future disasters.