• Gikomba Market, Nairobi, faces recurrent fires, causing substantial losses and challenges for traders
• Efforts to contain the recent fire are ongoing
• The cause of the fire is yet to be determined
In a distressing turn of events, a massive fire engulfed a section of Gikomba Market in Nairobi, leaving many residents in anguish. According to both police and eyewitness accounts, the fire erupted in the shoe section and quickly spread on Friday morning.
A section of the razed down Gikomba Market
As of 7 am, Nairobi Police Boss Adamson Bungei reported no injuries, emphasizing that ongoing efforts were underway to contain the blaze since it ignited at approximately 1 am. The cause of this latest fire, adding to a series of unfortunate incidents at the market, remains unknown.
Multi-agency teams swiftly responded to the scene, collaborating to curb the fire’s rapid spread.
“We have many teams, including the public, fighting to contain it now before we embark on the probe on the cause.” Bungei stated.
Gikomba Market, recognized as East Africa’s largest open-air market, has been plagued by unpredictable fires on an annual basis. The market serves as a livelihood for numerous individuals, including food vendors, second-hand clothes traders, carpenters, and various business people.
Kamkunji MP Yussuf Hassan, a prominent figure in the region, has been at the forefront of campaigns to address and contain these incidents. The market has witnessed several fires in recent years, with notable incidents occurring in 2015, 2018, 2020, 2021, and 2022.
The recurrent fires prompted local leaders to advocate for the declaration of Gikomba Market as a disaster zone. Despite being a source of income for many, traders have consistently faced tears and losses as fires periodically ravage the market.
Notably, on November 28, 2021, amidst heavy rainfall in Nairobi, traders experienced yet another devastating fire, marking the fifth such incident that year. In 2019, more than 2,000 structures were razed down in a fire that swept through a section of the market on April 10.
The resilience of Gikomba Market’s community is being tested once again, underscoring the urgent need for comprehensive measures to address the recurring threat of fires and safeguard the livelihoods of those dependent on the market.
