Wajir’s Soko Mjinga market reduced to ashes in devastating fire, traders face crushing losses
More than 60 stalls were gutted in Saturday night blaze, leaving traders devastated and millions in losses as repeated market fires threaten livelihoods.
Grief and disbelief hung over Wajir town on Sunday morning as traders at the bustling Soko Mjinga market surveyed the charred remnants of what once sustained their families.
More than 60 stalls were reduced to ashes after a fierce inferno tore through the market late Saturday night, leaving behind millions of shillings in losses and a trail of destruction.
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A fire engine from Wajir County Municipality—backed by desperate residents who formed human chains to pass water—managed to contain the flames before the entire market was consumed.
It was a narrow escape for a marketplace long plagued by fire tragedies, each incident deepening the wounds of traders struggling to rebuild their livelihoods. Police in Wajir say investigations into the cause of the blaze are underway.
For the traders, however, the pain of starting over once again feels unbearable.
Habiba Hassan, a long-time vendor, fought back tears as she stared at the smouldering rubble of her stall.
"I have lost goods worth one million shillings," she said, her voice trembling.
"We are constantly facing tests and trials. Every time we rebuild our livelihoods, we are knocked down again by an unforgiving fire."
Habiba Hassan, a long-time Soko Mjinga trader, recounts her loss of goods worth Sh1 million after Saturday night’s devastating fire. (Photo: Courtesy)
A few metres away, Fatuma Ahmed stood silently over the ruins of what had been her thriving business—one she built through sheer sacrifice. She recalled how she started by selling five goats to raise capital. Years of hard work followed, allowing her tiny venture to grow into a respected enterprise within the market.
But by dawn on Sunday, everything she owned had turned into blackened debris.
"I had just brought new clothing stock from Nairobi, hoping to make a profit," she said softly. "All of it is gone... ashes."
For Safi Ali Salah, the pain was equally sharp. Her entire stock—valued at Sh4 million—was burnt beyond recognition.
"We don't know what caused this fire that has destroyed our businesses. Only Allah knows," she said, pleading for government and well-wishers to step in and help traders rebuild their shattered livelihoods.
This latest tragedy adds to a worrying pattern. Several markets in the region—including Soko Mugdi, the largest market in Garissa town, and the Hagardera refugee camp market—have suffered devastating fires this year, each incident leaving traders counting losses in the millions.
As Soko Mjinga's traders begin the painful task of picking up the pieces, one thing is clear: the repeated fires have become more than isolated incidents—they are crises that continue to rob communities of their economic lifelines, dignity, and hope.
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