Faith Odhiambo Demands Structured Market Planning Following Gikomba Fire

NAIROBI, Kenya, June 21 – Former Law Society of Kenya President and Nairobi Women Representative hopeful Faith Odhiambo has called for proper market planning and lasting fire safety solutions following yet another early morning fire at Gikomba Market that left traders counting losses.

The remarks come in the aftermath of a dawn inferno that tore through sections of Gikomba Market in the early hours of Sunday, destroying stalls and merchandise as traders watched helplessly while flames rapidly spread through the densely packed trading hub.

She said no family should be forced to repeatedly rebuild from ashes while questions around safety, accountability, and long-term solutions remain unresolved.

Odhiambo urged authorities to prioritize structured market planning, enforce fire safety standards, and ensure transparent investigations into the recurring fires that have repeatedly devastated the market.

“We must pursue proper market planning, real fire safety infrastructure and transparent investigations into these recurring infernos,” she said.
“Today, we stand in solidarity with Gikomba traders and commit to amplifying their cry for justice, compensation and meaningful reform so that never again finally means something.”

The fire adds to a long history of devastating infernos at Gikomba Market, which has repeatedly suffered similar incidents over the years, destroying goods worth millions of shillings and disrupting the livelihoods of thousands of traders.

The recurring disasters have consistently raised concerns over safety standards, overcrowding, and emergency preparedness within the market.

In February, President William Ruto announced plans to construct a Sh5 billion modern market in Gikomba as part of a wider programme to upgrade trading infrastructure in Nairobi.

Speaking during the signing of a collaboration agreement between the national government and Nairobi City County Government at State House, the President said the planned facility would transform Gikomba into a modern, structured trading hub. “I was in Gikomba, and we are now designing a modern national market. I have given my undertaking that we are going to build a Ksh.5 billion modern market in Gikomba,” he said, adding that the project would strengthen Nairobi’s standing as a competitive commercial centre.

The initiative is part of broader commitments to construct 20 modern markets across the city, with 12 to be delivered by the national government and eight by the county government.

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has also previously directed investigations into the recurring fires at markets in Nairobi, including Gikomba and Toi Market, calling for long-term structural solutions and improved fire safety systems to prevent further losses.

“The government has instructed relevant agencies to investigate the cause of the frequent inferno in the markets within Nairobi City County, including Gikomba and Toi Market, and provide comprehensive long-term solutions to avoid recurrence.”