This archive report was first published on 25 June 2020.
On June 25, 2020, a devastating fire swept through Gikomba Market in Nairobi, leaving traders counting losses for the umpteenth time. The fire, which occurred early morning, has raised questions about the faces behind the fires at the market.
According to traders, the fire burnt down sections of the market, including the mitumba (second-hand clothes) and cereals sections. This is another blow to the traders who were already battling with the ban on imported second-hand clothes meant to contain the spread of COVID-19, while the pandemic itself has led to diminished sales.
The fire department arrived on the scene and salvaged what they could before turning their attention to assessing the damage caused and trying to establish the cause of the fire. However, with fires in Gikomba now becoming the norm, it may be easier said than done to determine the cause of this latest incident.
Since 2019, Gikomba Market has experienced multiple devastating fires, with the most recent incident occurring in August 2020, when property estimated at Sh100 million was reduced to ashes. In 2019, three separate fires razed down property worth millions, attracting the attention of Kenyans and sparking suspicions of foul play.
Nairobi County governor Mike Sonko has suggested that building a new market could be the solution to the perennial problem. However, for now, traders are left to count their losses and wonder when the next fire will strike.
