Garissa leaders push for fire preparedness at Soko Mugdi following frequent market fires
Garissa Town MCA and Minority Leader Hussein Mohamed tabled the motion, which received unanimous support from all Members of the County Assembly.
The Garissa County Assembly has passed a motion compelling the county government to urgently construct a fully equipped fire station at Soko Mugdi market, following repeated incidents of devastating fires that have cost traders their livelihoods in Garissa town.
Garissa Town MCA and Minority Leader Hussein Mohamed tabled the motion, which received unanimous support from all Members of the County Assembly.
More To Read
- Fire burns Garissa town’s Soko Mugdi market again as traders count millions in losses
- Traders at Garissa's oldest market worried about invasion by private developers
- Traders in Garissa town given one-week notice to vacate market access road
- Rakia Ibrahim vetted for Garissa County Public Service Board Secretary role
He said the latest incident, where fire consumed hundreds of stalls as the residents watched helplessly, needs to be addressed through proper early preparedness mitigation measures.
"Soko Mugdi market is not an ordinary market. It is the economic heartbeat of Garissa Township and a vital nerve centre for trade and employment across the county," the minority leader said while tabling the motion.
He regretted how the fire left thousands of families without income for the sixth time as they tried to rebuild their livelihoods from the losses.
Prevent future fire disasters
He emphasised the need for decisive action to prevent future fire disasters by urgently establishing a modern fire station within the market.
The motion requires the county government to establish a modern fire station at the market, staffed with professionally trained firefighters and equipped with a fire engine capable of effectively responding to fire outbreaks.
It also calls for the allocation of sufficient funds in the upcoming budget cycles to support the construction and operationalisation of the fire station.
The motion also urges the county government to conduct comprehensive fire assessments and hazard mapping of the market and its surrounding areas to guide future zoning, safety protocols, and disaster mitigation strategies.
Public Service CS Geoffrey Ruku speaking to the traders in Garissa town following the recent devastating fire that ravaged Soko Mugdi market. (Photo: Issa Hussein)
Public sensitisation
It also recommends the launch of sustained public sensitisation and outreach campaigns to educate traders, workers and neighbouring communities on fire prevention, emergency response procedures, and general safety practices.
The market, the largest in Garissa County, is a key source of the county government’s own-source revenue.
However, the market is frequently plagued by fire outbreaks, often attributed to unattended fires at eateries, faulty wiring, congestion, and poor planning. Delayed response to these incidents remains a major concern for affected traders.
Leaders from the county and national governments, led by the Cabinet Secretary for Public Service Geoffrey Ruku, visited the market on June 30 to assess the damage caused by the early morning fire.
During the visit, they called for the fast-tracking of President William Ruto’s pledge to construct a modern market for the traders.
They urged traders to support the construction of the proposed market, noting that funds had already been allocated. However, the traders have been hesitant to embrace the government’s plan, fearing they might be displaced by other beneficiaries.
Top Stories Today
