[PHOTOS]: Gikomba Market rising to life after recent fire

Construction is ongoing in some parts of the market that caught fire.

In Summary
  • A section of the market went up in flames on December 28, 2022 leaving traders counting losses.
  • In October, Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja pledged to set up a fire station at Gikomba market to help deal with recurrent fires.
by PERPETUA ETYANG
InPictures
09 January 2023 - 18:11
Ongoing construction of a section of Gikomba market that was recently razed
Ongoing construction of a section of Gikomba market that was recently razed
Image: WILFRED NYANGARESI

Traders in Gikomba are running their daily business despite the market being crowded.

Gikomba Market, East Africa’s largest open-air market, has experienced unpredictable fires annually.

A section of the market went up in flames on December 28, 2022, leaving traders counting losses.

Construction is ongoing in some parts of the market that caught fire.

A man carries a shoes collection for sale at Gikomba market on January 9, 2023
A man carries a shoes collection for sale at Gikomba market on January 9, 2023
Image: WILFRED NYANGARESI

In October, Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja pledged to set up a fire station at the market to deal with recurrent fires.

He also said he will have the land surveyed and title deeds issued saying land grabbers and speculators are some of those behind the fires.

A man carries a sack of second-hand shoes at Gikomba market.
A man carries a sack of second-hand shoes at Gikomba market.
Image: WILFRED NYANGARESI

For decades, Gikomba market has been a source of income for many including food vendors, second-hand clothes traders, carpenters, business people, and many more.

Aerial view of a section of Gikomba market on January 9, 2023.
Aerial view of a section of Gikomba market on January 9, 2023.
Image: WILFRED NYANGARESI
A vendor displays simcards from different telecommunications at Gikomba market on January 9, 2023
A vendor displays simcards from different telecommunications at Gikomba market on January 9, 2023
Image: WILFRED NYANGARESI
Congested Gikomba market on January 9, 2023. Most traders decry of the current high cost of living that has caused increase of prices of goods and products among other issues of concern by the traders is unending fire incidents and the recent reviewed mobile banking transaction charges
Congested Gikomba market on January 9, 2023. Most traders decry of the current high cost of living that has caused increase of prices of goods and products among other issues of concern by the traders is unending fire incidents and the recent reviewed mobile banking transaction charges
Image: WILFRED NYANGARESI
Busy Gikomba market as traders and customers engage in their daily activities on January 9, 2023.
Busy Gikomba market as traders and customers engage in their daily activities on January 9, 2023.
Image: WILFRED NYANGARESI
Busy Gikomba market as traders and customers engage in their daily activities on January 9, 2023./WILFRED NYANGARESI
Busy Gikomba market as traders and customers engage in their daily activities on January 9, 2023./WILFRED NYANGARESI
Image: WILFRED NYANGARESI
Busy Gikomba market as traders and customers engage in their daily activities on January 9, 2023./WILFRED NYANGARESI
Busy Gikomba market as traders and customers engage in their daily activities on January 9, 2023./WILFRED NYANGARESI
Image: WILFRED NYANGARESI
Busy Gikomba market as traders and customers engage in their daily activities on January 9, 2023.
Busy Gikomba market as traders and customers engage in their daily activities on January 9, 2023.
Image: WILFRED NYANGARESI
Busy Gikomba market as traders and customers engage in their daily activities on January 9, 2023./WILFRED NYANGARESI
Busy Gikomba market as traders and customers engage in their daily activities on January 9, 2023./WILFRED NYANGARESI
Image: WILFRED NYANGARESI

MORE:

Land title, perimeter wall top City Hall plans to end perennial Gikomba fires

Muchiri says having the market fenced will make it easier for the county to provide security day and night.
Counties
1 year ago

State unfulfilled promises in ending persistent Gikomba fires

The cyclic fires attributed to land tussles in the market and unscrupulous traders, have seen families lose livelihoods.
News
1 year ago

Gachagua donates Sh1 million to Gikomba fire victims

The fire saw 23-year-old Samuel Njuguna sustain injuries
News
1 year ago
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