Traders in Wajir county are counting losses after a fire outbreak in the town's largest market on Sunday night.
Soko Mjinga Market, which is at the heart of the town and is the source of livelihood for thousands of traders, whose property worth millions was burnt to ashes.
According to the county officials, the cause of the inferno remains unknown.
"Most of us were sleeping and we woke up to the news of a fire outbreak and now we are trying to salvage what we can," Abdirahman, a businessman said.
The county promised to take swift action and find the root cause of the recurrent incidents of fire outbreaks at the market.
"It is not the first time fire incidents are being witnessed at Soko Mjinga and other business centres in Wajir, as a county government, we will find the cause of this unfortunate tragedy," Wajir Governor Mohamed Abdi said.
"My deepest thoughts and prayers are with the traders and business owners who have lost their properties in the fire," he said.
Elsewhere, Kenya Defence Forces personnel from Wajir Air Base responded to put off another fire at Basabra Market.
KDF said the fire started at around 9 pm.
“However, a multi-agency team comprising of KDF, Kenya Airport Authority and county fire departments responded swiftly and put out the fire,” KDF said.
Experts are investigating the incident as residents start rebuilding their structures.
(Edited by Tabnacha O)
