City Affairs

Early morning fire razes section of Gikomba market

By Eastleigh Voice Reporter | Friday, December 1, 2023

In the early hours of the morning, at 2am, flames ravaged Gikomba market, leaving behind a trail of substantial damage.

In the early hours of the morning, at 2 am, flames ravaged the Gikomba market, leaving behind a trail of substantial damage.

The iconic market, which is located in Nairobi's Kamukunji area, has been a recurrent victim of fires, and the recent incident has once again highlighted the vulnerability of the Gikomba market.

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The aftermath of the early morning fire that razed a section of Gikomba market on 1 December 2023. (Photo: Courtesy)

Eyewitnesses who were mostly security guards recounted a scene of chaos and despair as the flames consumed the shoe section of Gikomba market.

Fanuel Juma, the Chairman of Shoe Traders in the affected area, told the Eastleigh Voice that the fire started at the Majengo Market Area 42 near the Kamukunji Grounds.

The aftermath of the early morning fire that razed a section of Gikomba market on 1 December 2023. (Photo: Courtesy)

Juma said the exact cause of the fire was yet to be established but losses arising from the inferno amounted to millions.

He, however, thanked the quick response from firefighters which averted further losses.

"We are grateful to the Nairobi County Government firefighters who responded swiftly and arrived at the scene at around 2.30 am and managed to put off the fire," Juma said.

The losses underscored the severity of the incident for the traders who rely on the market for their livelihoods.

The aftermath of the early morning fire that razed a section of Gikomba market on 1 December 2023. (Photo: Courtesy)

The rapid response from Nairobi County firefighters played a crucial role in containing the blaze and preventing further escalation.

Their timely intervention spared additional sections of the market from succumbing to the destructive force of the fire.

The aftermath of the early morning fire that razed a section of Gikomba market on 1 December 2023. (Photo: Courtesy)

The Gikomba market, renowned for its vibrant trading activities, has sadly become synonymous with devastating fires over the years. This latest incident adds another chapter to the market's tumultuous history with fires.

The origins of the Gikomba fires have been diverse, ranging from electrical faults to suspected cases of arson.

The aftermath of the early morning fire that razed a section of Gikomba market on 1 December 2023. (Photo: Courtesy)

The aftermath of each fire has consistently left traders and authorities grappling with the aftermath, trying to rebuild what the flames have mercilessly consumed.

The aftermath of the early morning fire that razed a section of Gikomba market on 1 December 2023. (Photo: Courtesy)

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