Former Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Faith Odhiambo has called on leaders and relevant agencies to implement lasting measures to address recurring fires at Gikomba Market after another devastating blaze destroyed businesses and left traders counting losses.
The fire broke out in the early hours of Sunday and swept through sections of the market, damaging stalls and merchandise at one of Kenya’s largest open-air trading centres.
According to the Kenya Red Cross, the blaze started at around 4:00 am and spread rapidly through the market as traders watched helplessly while their goods were consumed by the flames.
The humanitarian agency said response teams were dispatched to the scene and worked alongside a multi-agency team to contain the fire and assess the needs of affected traders.
Images and videos shared online showed thick black smoke rising above parts of Nairobi as intense flames engulfed sections of the market while emergency responders battled to bring the situation under control.
Reacting to the incident, Odhiambo expressed sympathy with traders who suffered losses and called for urgent action to prevent similar incidents in the future.
“I am deeply saddened by the reports of yet another fire ravaging stalls at Gikomba Market this morning, leaving traders counting losses as their goods go up in flames. My heart goes out to every hardworking Kenyan whose livelihood has been wiped out overnight,” she said.
“No family should have to repeatedly rebuild from ashes while questions about safety, accountability and lasting solutions remain unanswered.”
She noted that repeated fire incidents at the market continue to affect traders and their families, stressing the need for practical measures to safeguard businesses.
“Leaders and relevant agencies must move beyond promises to concrete action. We must pursue proper market planning, real fire safety infrastructure and transparent investigations into these recurring infernos that keep targeting one of Nairobi’s most important economic hubs,” 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.”
Meanwhile, motorists have been urged to avoid the area and seek alternative routes as traffic disruptions were expected along Landhies Road, Kamukunji, Majengo and neighbouring roads.
Authorities also urged road users to keep access routes clear to allow fire engines, ambulances and other emergency vehicles to reach the affected area without obstruction.
Traders, residents and visitors in surrounding neighbourhoods were further urged to prioritise their safety and follow instructions issued by emergency personnel at the scene as response efforts continued.
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