The Mitumba Consortium Association of Kenya (MCAK) has called for urgent government action and accountability following the devastating fire that swept through Gikomba Market, leaving several people dead, destroying businesses and causing massive losses to traders.
In a statement issued on June 22, 2026, MCAK expressed its condolences to families who lost loved ones and pledged solidarity with hundreds of traders whose livelihoods were affected by the inferno.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of those who lost their loved ones and stand in solidarity with all traders whose livelihoods have been shattered,” the association said.
Describing Gikomba as a critical economic hub, MCAK noted that the market supports thousands of families and plays a vital role in Kenya’s informal economy.
The association criticized what it termed a longstanding failure by authorities to address recurring safety concerns at the market despite repeated fire incidents and numerous calls for reforms.
“This tragedy is not an isolated incident. It is the latest manifestation of a longstanding failure by public authorities to adequately protect traders despite repeated warnings, recurring fires, and countless promises of reform,” MCAK stated.
The traders’ body raised concerns over the reported inactivity of the Gikomba Fire Station, a facility that was constructed to enhance emergency response within the market.
“Of even greater concern is the fact that the Gikomba Fire Station, whose construction was completed to improve emergency response within the market, was reportedly not operational at the time of the fire and therefore played no role in containing the disaster,” the statement said.
MCAK questioned why a public facility intended to save lives and property remained dormant while traders continued to suffer losses from recurring fires.
The association has now called on Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja and the county government to explain why the fire station remains non-operational and to ensure it is immediately put into service.
“We therefore call upon Governor Sakaja and Nairobi County Government to explain why the Gikomba Fire Station remains non-operational and to immediately operationalize the facility,” MCAK said.
Additionally, the organization demanded a thorough, transparent and independent investigation into the cause of the fire, while urging both the national and county governments to provide immediate assistance to affected traders and families of the deceased.
MCAK further called for accelerated modernization of market infrastructure, installation of functional fire safety systems, improved access roads and emergency response capabilities, as well as the establishment of a comprehensive disaster preparedness framework for major markets across the country.
“The Mitumba sector supports millions of Kenyans through employment, entrepreneurship and access to affordable clothing. Every time a market burns, jobs are lost, businesses collapse and families are pushed deeper into poverty,” the association noted.
The traders’ body emphasized that protecting market traders is not only an economic issue but also a matter of social justice.
“This tragedy must serve as a turning point. The lives and livelihoods of Kenyan traders cannot continue to be sacrificed at the altar of government inaction,” MCAK said.
The association reaffirmed its commitment to working with relevant stakeholders to promote safer and more resilient business environments for traders across the country.
IPOA Provides Update on Investigations Into Deaths Linked to Anti-Finance Bill and Gen-Z Protests
