The government has assured traders affected by the recent fire at Gikomba Market that they will receive support as investigations into the cause of the blaze commence.
Speaking during a press briefing in Nairobi on Monday, Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura said the government would not abandon those who suffered losses, noting that many traders had lost merchandise, business premises, and sources of income built over years of investment.
He described the incident as a significant economic setback for hundreds of traders whose livelihoods depend on daily business activities at the country’s largest open-air market.
Mwaura said emergency response agencies had already been mobilized to coordinate relief efforts and support affected traders as authorities assess the extent of the damage.
He added that the National Disaster Operations Centre is working closely with the Nairobi County Government and other relevant agencies to conduct a comprehensive assessment, facilitate immediate interventions, and help traders resume business operations as quickly as possible.
“The government recognizes the pain and disruption caused by this tragedy and remains committed to ensuring affected traders recover and rebuild their businesses,” he said.
At the same time, the government appealed for patience as investigations into the cause of the fire get underway. Mwaura cautioned against speculation, stating that authorities would conduct a thorough and transparent inquiry to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.
He noted that the investigations would determine whether negligence or criminal activity played a role and help guide future measures aimed at strengthening fire safety and preventing similar incidents.
The fire broke out in the early hours of Saturday morning and rapidly spread through stalls and commercial structures, destroying merchandise worth millions of shillings and leaving hundreds of businesses in ruins.
Two people lost their lives in the inferno, while several others were injured, including four firefighters who responded to the scene. Traders were left counting losses after the blaze swept through sections of the busy trading hub.
According to the Kenya Red Cross, the fire is believed to have started at around 4 a.m. and caused extensive damage, with response efforts continuing for several hours.
The cause of the fire remains unknown pending the outcome of ongoing investigations.
