‘We’ve lost everything’: Traders plead for help after fire ravages handicraft market in Kamukunji

A fire broke out early Sunday morning at the Nairobi Handicraft Market in Kamukunji Constituency, destroying goods and property worth millions of shillings. The blaze, which erupted before dawn, reduced several business structures to ashes and left dozens of traders without a source of livelihood.

By Monday morning, the aftermath was still clearly visible—burnt iron sheets, charred timber, and ash-covered stalls stood untouched.

Many affected traders had not begun rebuilding, citing financial difficulties and the complete loss of capital. Most said they were left with nothing, having lost all their goods in the fire.

Some of those affected have appealed to the government and well-wishers for support, saying the fire wiped out their only means of income. Without help, they fear they will be unable to recover or provide for their families.

One of the traders, Christopher Mutinda Muli, said the fire caught them off guard. He explained that most traders do not report to work early on Sundays, as it is usually a day of rest. Muli estimated that he lost goods worth around Ksh600,000 and was unable to salvage anything.

“I had good stock. I tried to save some of it, but it was already too late. Now all that’s left are burnt iron sheets,” he said.

Engulfed in flames

Another trader, Christopher Wambua, ran a shop that also operated as an M-Pesa outlet and a small kiosk selling soft drinks and snacks.

He said he received a phone call around 4:30 am informing him that his business premises were on fire.

He rushed to the market only to find his stall already engulfed in flames. He stood helplessly and watched as his entire business went up in smoke.

“I saved nothing. Everything was burnt. Even though the firefighters arrived early, I could not save anything,” Wambua said.

He appreciated the efforts of the Nairobi City County fire brigade, saying their timely response prevented the fire from spreading to nearby shops and markets.

According to Wambua, more than 20 structures were affected by the fire, which directly impacted over 70 traders.

Other Topics To Read

• City Affairs
• Kamukunji Constituency
• market fire
• Nairobi City County fire brigade
• Nairobi Handicraft Market
• ‘We’ve lost everything’: Traders plead for help after fire ravages handicraft market in Kamukunji
• Headlines

Evalyne Kimario, one of the affected traders, lost her small restaurant and all its food supplies, utensils, and equipment to the fire.

On Monday, some of her regular customers came to check on her and offer words of encouragement. Others were unsure whether she would reopen or if they needed to look for a new place to eat.

Kimario said she had been supporting her children’s education and family needs through the income from her restaurant.

No other source of income

She estimated her business was worth Sh200,000 and said she now has no other source of income, leaving her uncertain about the future.

“My hotel was worth Sh200,000. It helped me to educate my children and support my family. Now, the fire has taken me back to zero,” she said.

Kimario added that she does not know where to begin again or where to find help.

She appealed to anyone who may be able to support her and other affected traders, especially so that their children can continue going to school.

“If there is anyone who can help us, please do so. Our children’s education is the key to their lives,” she said.

Several traders expressed frustration that, unlike in places like Gikomba Market, where government officials and aid organisations often intervene after fires, no one had come forward to support them in this case.

The Nairobi Handicraft Market in Kamukunji is one of the popular spots for local artisans and small-scale traders.