Traders lose millions as fire razes Ngara's Nyayo Market

Traders at Nyayo Market in Ngara, Nairobi are counting losses running into millions of shillings in losses after a fire destroyed their businesses on Sunday night.

The market, which hosts a variety of vendors dealing in electronics, doors, and vehicle spare parts, was left in ruins, with goods reduced to ashes. While the exact cause of the fire remains unclear, some traders suspect it may have been triggered by a burning jiko, as the area has been without electricity for the past three years.

Stephen Kinuu, the vice secretary of Nyayo Market, expressed his sympathies to the traders, highlighting the extent of losses they have incurred. He appealed for support from both the government and well-wishers to help the traders recover and get back on their feet.

Traders at Nyayo Market, Ngara try to salvage what remained of their property after a fire razed structures in the area on Sunday evening. (Photo: Justine Ondieki)

"This is not the first time we've experienced such losses. In 2014, a fire caused significant damage, costing traders millions. In 2020, there was another fire, and now in 2024, we're facing yet another blaze. Coincidentally, all these fires have occurred in December, which raises concerns that something suspicious may be happening," he said.

Kinuu alleges that there may be individuals with intentions to take over the land, pushing traders to vacate the area, which could explain the recurring fires.

"We call upon all leaders to stand with us during this difficult time and help the traders get back on their feet. Many need assistance to start over again," he added.

Traders at Nyayo Market, Ngara try to salvage what remained of their property after a fire razed structures in the area on Sunday evening. (Photo: Justine Ondieki)

Issack Kinuua, a worker in Ngara, recalled that the fire at Nyayo Market started around 7 p.m. while he was watching a football match. Suddenly, he noticed smoke and rushed to the scene.

"The fire began in one of the shacks, which is usually used as a hotel. They had left githeri boiling overnight, and it seems that's what caused the fire. By the time we arrived, the flames had already spread quickly. We tried to put it out, and the firefighters arrived shortly after to assist. The fire was finally brought under control by around 10 pm," he said.

He also noted that, based on his experience working at the market, fires in the area seem to occur every few years, with a pattern emerging where they happen roughly every three years.

Traders at Nyayo Market, Ngara try to salvage what remained of their property after a fire razed structures in the area on Sunday evening. (Photo: Justine Ondieki)

Joseph Karuku, the chairperson of the Kenya Youth Organisation and a trader, expressed his distress after he and his business partner lost more than 60 laptops and various electronics in the fire that destroyed their shop.

"The firefighters arrived quickly, but the narrow roads made it difficult to manage the situation effectively," he said. "We have suffered significant losses, and we are urgently appealing for help."

Karuku also highlighted that the area has been without electricity for years, creating further challenges for traders who rely on alternative power sources to run their businesses. He called for a thorough investigation into the cause of the fire and urged for a lasting solution to the electricity issue

Traders at Nyayo Market, Ngara try to salvage what remained of their property after a fire razed structures in the area on Sunday evening. (Photo: Justine Ondieki)

One of the traders who runs a hotel in the area refuted claims that the fire was caused by a jiko. He said they have been cooking with jikos for years without any incident. He appealed for a swift investigation to determine the true cause of the fire as authorities began investigations into the incident.

Nairobi County has been plagued by a series of devastating fires that have resulted in millions in damages in recent years. Recent fires in Toi Market, as well as another in Kitui Village, Kamukunji have left 50 houses destroyed and claimed the lives of seven people, with many others affected.

Traders at Nyayo Market, Ngara try to salvage what remained of their property after a fire razed structures in the area on Sunday evening. (Photo: Justine Ondieki)