Traders at Gikomba Market are reeling from yet another devastating fire that broke out early Sunday morning, causing significant losses and reigniting concerns over the market’s fire safety.
According to eyewitnesses, the blaze began around 3:00 a.m. and quickly spread through the footwear section of the popular second-hand market, adjacent to Lamu Road in Pumwani, Majengo.
Videos circulating on social media show fierce flames engulfing stalls, sending thick yellow smoke into the air as goods worth millions went up in flames.
Kamukunji Member of Parliament Yusuf Hassan confirmed the incident, stating that county firefighters and local volunteers responded swiftly to combat the fire.
“We appreciate the quick action by emergency services, but we must address the root causes of these recurring fires,” said Hassan.
The cause of the fire is still unknown, but the frequency of such incidents has raised suspicion and frustration among traders.
The April 14 fire comes just two weeks after a similar inferno on April 1 ravaged the Kwa Mbao section of the market, and exactly one month after another fire in the same area on March 1.
Many traders have expressed fears of foul play, with some blaming rivals for allegedly setting fires to eliminate competition.
Others point to faulty electrical connections and the congested layout of the market as major hazards.
The repeated incidents have drawn the attention of top government officials.
On April 9, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua directed security and investigative agencies to probe the recurring market fires, including those at Gikomba and Toi Market.
“The government has instructed relevant agencies to investigate the cause of the frequent infernos in the markets within Nairobi City County and provide comprehensive long-term solutions to avoid recurrence,” read a statement from the DP’s office.
Among the proposed solutions is the construction of modern markets equipped with adequate fire safety infrastructure, including alarms, hydrants, and accessible escape routes.
As investigations continue, affected traders are once again left to rebuild from the ashes, calling for swift government action to prevent future disasters.
