Relief for Garissa market traders as CS Duale donates iron sheets and wheelbarrows to victims

Garissa County Commissioner Mohamed Mwabudzo hands aover a wheelbarrow to one of the traders./STEPHEN ASTARIKO

Traders receiving iron sheet donation./STEPHEN ASTARIKO

The market’s chairman, Billow Bashir Adow, speaking to the press./STEPHEN ASTARIKO

Traders at Garissa’s Suq-Muqdi open-air market, who lost their livelihoods in a massive fire three weeks ago, have received much-needed support from Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale.

The donation, valued at over Sh1.6 million, included 1,000 iron sheets and 170 wheelbarrows. It will benefit 550 traders—most of them women—who sell groceries from wheelbarrows and makeshift stalls.

The fire, which razed dozens of stalls and destroyed goods worth millions, hit traders dealing in fresh produce, clothing, electronics, groceries, and household items the hardest. Many of them are still struggling to rebuild.

During a press briefing at Garissa Town Club after the distribution, County Commissioner Mohamed Mwabudzo said many traders lost everything and are yet to fully recover.

“This is the fifth fire incident at this market,” Mwabudzo noted.

“We sat down with the county government and agreed to get to the root cause to prevent this from happening again.”

He added that investigations are still underway, with samples collected from the scene already sent to Nairobi for analysis by DCI officers.

Mwabudzo also revealed that plans for a modern market with a 750-trader capacity have been finalized.

The project, estimated to cost over Sh500 million, is in the tendering phase. If all goes according to plan, a contractor will be on-site within the next three months.

Despite the plans for reconstruction, traders continue to operate in harsh conditions. A spot check showed that many have not yet rebuilt their stalls.

The market's chairman, Billow Bashir Adow, urged the county government to allow traders to erect temporary shelters so they can continue earning a living.

“Some traders trying to return to their burnt stalls are being harassed by county askaris,” Billow said.

“We’re not against moving for a new market to be built, but in the meantime, let the victims run their businesses without harassment.”

One of the traders, Ann Wamboi, said many sellers urgently need tents to protect themselves and their goods from the scorching sun.

“Most of us deal in perishable goods, and the heat ruins them quickly. We’re appealing to well-wishers to help us with tents,” Wamboi said.

Both Wamboi and Billow thanked CS Duale for his continued support, noting that he has stood by the traders during all previous fire incidents at the market.