The government has assured traders affected by the recent Gikomba Market fire in Nairobi that they will receive support as authorities move to investigate the cause of the incident.
Government Spokesman Isaac Mwaura said the State recognises the scale of losses suffered by traders who depended on the market for their daily livelihoods.
The latest fire, which occurred on June 21, resulted in the deaths of two people, injured at least 17 others and destroyed numerous stalls and goods worth millions of shillings.
Mwaura described the incident as a major economic setback and confirmed that emergency response agencies had already been mobilised to coordinate relief efforts.
“The government understands the immense losses suffered by traders whose livelihoods depend on daily business activities at Gikomba Market. We want to assure them that they will not be left to face this difficult situation alone,” Mwaura said.
The National Disaster Operations Centre is working alongside the Nairobi County Government and other agencies to assess the extent of damage and identify immediate interventions to support affected traders and help restore business operations.
At the same time, the government has urged the public to exercise patience and avoid speculation as investigations into the cause of the fire commence.
Mwaura said a thorough and transparent probe will be conducted to establish what triggered the blaze, including whether negligence or criminal activity may have been involved.
He added that the findings will be used to strengthen fire safety measures in markets across the country and help prevent similar incidents in future.
The latest fire adds to growing concerns over recurring
market blazes in Kenya’s major trading centres.
Earlier, the Mitumba Consortium Association of Kenya (MCAK) mourned victims of the Gikomba Market fire and called for investigations into the cause of the blaze, as well as urgent support for traders who suffered losses.
The association expressed condolences to families who lost their loved ones and solidarity with traders whose businesses and livelihoods were affected by the incident.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of those who lost their loved ones and stand in solidarity with all traders whose livelihoods have been shattered,” MCAK said.
The association described Gikomba as a critical economic hub that supports thousands of families through trade and small businesses.
MCAK called for a thorough, transparent and independent investigation to establish the cause of the fire and help prevent similar incidents in the future.
The association also urged both the national government and Nairobi County Government to provide immediate assistance to affected traders and families of the deceased.
Among the measures proposed are improved market infrastructure, installation and maintenance of functional fire safety systems, better emergency access routes and stronger disaster preparedness mechanisms.
MCAK said repeated market fires continue to have a significant impact on traders by disrupting businesses, destroying investments and affecting household incomes.
