This archive report was first published on 16 July 2020.
On July 16, 2020, a devastating fire incident ravaged a market in Elgeyo-Marakwet County, leaving a trail of destruction and loss worth millions.
The fire, which occurred at Kapchorop Centre, razed down a number of premises in close proximity, catching traders and residents off guard.
A trader, who wished to remain anonymous, recounted the harrowing experience: "Immediately we noticed the fire, I ran out to safety with my children shouting for help. We tried to salvage some of our belongings but we were not successful," she conveyed.
Chief fire officer Bishop Wafula Mukhwana mobilized his team to deal with the incident, stating, "Together with the firemen on duty, we were able to put off the fire. We found residents trying to put it out but they were not able."
Investigations into the cause of the fire are ongoing, with the fire chief appealing to the county and national governments to assist the traders who lost their goods in the fire.
Fire incidents in market areas have been reported in various counties in the past year, with the most recently reported at Gikomba Market, where a number of structures at the cereals and 'mitumba' sections were burnt down on June 25, 2020.
County governments have improved their capacity to respond to fire incidents, but challenges remain in terms of access when the infernos occur in informal settlements.
A 2010 research paper by the University of Nairobi recommended decentralizing the city's fire services and having fire stations at all sub-county headquarters in the city, as well as involving communities in fire fighting through training and drills.
