Fire incident in Gikomba causes losses for market traders

A fire that reportedly broke out at a little past midnight into Wednesday in Gikomba market resulted in losses for market traders. 

The value of the property that was razed down is however unknown. 

According to Kamukunji Member of Parliament Yusuf Hassan, the fire burnt down the southern part of the market opposite Jua Kali and adjacent to Muthurwa Primary School in Pumwani.

Hassan added that the inferno was brought under control by firefighters from various government units who responded to the incident accordingly. 

In August, a section of the same market was leveled to the ground after it went in flames. 

In response, the government promised to tighten security measures by setting up CCTV cameras to also determine the cause of the frequent fires. 

Interior Principal Secretary Karanja Kibicho said, 

“We will improve on the lighting, we have directed the regional team to map 10 lighting points and those lights we will add CCTV cameras.” 

He however noted that accessibility into the market is a major challenge during emergencies.

The PS added the government completed a new closed market in Gikomba and another one will be ready by June next year in a bid to reduce the number of traders that have encroached on roads.

According to Kibicho, a desk had been set up at the fifth floor of Nyayo House to probe all information and leads that could unmask the cartels that have continued to bring untold pain and suffering to innocent Gikomba traders as 

the government believes the fires are not natural. 

The PS said in June, “We in government do not believe these fires are natural. We believe that there are some people who think that by displacing the business people here they will have an opportunity to develop this land on selfish grounds.” 

However, the progress of the CCTV cameras installation and the probe status remain uncertain.