This archive report was first published on 25 June 2020.
Published on June 25, 2020, the government has announced plans to install high mast CCTV security cameras in Gikomba Market to address the recurring issue of arson attacks and congestion.
According to Principal Secretary, State Department of Interior, Dr. Eng. Karanja Kibicho, the government will work with the National Police, intelligence agencies, residents, leaders, and business people of Gikomba to apprehend and prosecute those responsible for the frequent arson attacks.
Dr. Kibicho also announced that the 399 households affected by the Gikomba Market fire will receive government support.
Speaking after a tour of the market, Dr. Kibicho stated, "We shall build a perimeter wall around the new market building that is coming up. The other wall will be built around the general Gikomba Market. The State Department for Housing and Urban Development will ensure that within three months, we shall have built the wall. The funds are available and the engineers will be deployed immediately. The walls will help isolate the areas in case there is a fire so that it doesn’t spread like we have seen today."
He added that the government will also construct a borehole, install a 100,000-litre water tank, and implement a solid waste management and drainage system in the market.
Dr. Kibicho challenged the leaders and business community in Gikomba to volunteer information to help bring the culprits responsible for the frequent arson cases to book.
He emphasized that the perpetrators are known and it is the responsibility of the area residents, leaders, and business people to help security agencies apprehend them.
Dr. Kibicho also announced the establishment of a command center at Nyayo House, where any matter pertaining to the market can be reported.
He urged the business people and the Gikomba community to take advantage of the report desk to assist the government in collecting sufficient intelligence to name the culprits responsible for causing the fires.
