The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
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Traders at Gikomba Market are once again facing heavy losses after a fire broke out early in the morning, destroying stalls and goods valued at millions of shillings.
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Eyewitnesses reported that the fire started around 3:00am and rapidly swept through the footwear section near Lamu Road in Pumwani, Majengo.
Dramatic videos shared on social media captured the blaze consuming stalls and sending thick plumes of yellow smoke into the sky as traders’ merchandise burned.
Kamukunji MP Yusuf Hassan confirmed the incident, noting that county firefighters and local residents responded promptly to contain the fire.
“We commend the quick response by emergency teams, but it’s critical to tackle the underlying causes of these persistent fires,” he said.
Although the exact cause remains undetermined, the repeated outbreaks have left traders alarmed and frustrated.
Hassan reiterated that both firefighters and volunteers worked tirelessly to bring the fire under control.
“A huge fire erupted at the footwear section of Gikomba Market, near Lamu Road in Majengo, around 3:00am. County emergency teams and volunteers have been battling the flames,” he said.
Fortunately, police confirmed there were no injuries or fatalities reported.
This fire is the latest in a series of similar incidents at the market. The cramped layout and ongoing fire risks make Gikomba especially vulnerable to such disasters.
A previous fire on April 1, also around 3:00am, devastated the Kwa Mbao section of the market and spread to a nearby bus terminal. Traders then speculated that faulty electrical wiring may have been the cause.
That April blaze occurred just a month after another similar incident on March 1, also in Kwa Mbao.
Many traders believe these fires are deliberately set by business rivals attempting to undermine competition.
On April 9, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki instructed police and other investigative agencies to probe the recurring fires in high-risk markets such as Gikomba and Toi.
“The government has directed the relevant bodies to investigate the root causes of these frequent fires in Nairobi markets and come up with lasting solutions to prevent future tragedies,” read a statement from the Deputy President’s office.
