Traders Suffer Losses as Morning Fire Sweeps Through Gikomba Market

NAIROBI, Kenya, Jun 21 – Traders at Gikomba Market are counting losses after a fire broke out in the early hours of Sunday morning, tearing through sections of the busy trading hub and leaving widespread destruction in its wake.

Videos circulating online showed intense flames and thick plumes of smoke rising above the market as traders desperately tried to salvage their goods while sections of stalls were rapidly consumed by the fire.

According to the Kenya Red Cross, a major fire was reported at Gikomba Market at around 4:00 a.m., affecting several business premises.

The humanitarian agency confirmed that response teams, working alongside a multi-agency emergency unit, were deployed to the scene to support firefighting efforts and assess the needs of those affected.

Emergency crews from the fire brigade and other agencies spent the morning battling the blaze and preventing it from spreading further into the densely packed sections of the market.

Authorities say the full extent of the damage is yet to be established, though fears remain high that losses could be substantial given the tightly packed wooden and metal structures that make up much of the market.

There have been no confirmed reports of casualties so far.

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.”