Govt Orders Probe Into Nairobi Market Fires

The government has ordered a thorough investigation into the frequent fires affecting markets in Nairobi City County, especially Gikomba and Toi Markets.

This follows another fire that broke out on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, destroying goods and property belonging to hundreds of small-scale traders.

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, while meeting nearly 400 affected traders on Wednesday, said it was time to find a lasting solution to the recurring tragedy. He said the government suspects foul play and does not believe the fires are accidental.

“It defies logic to imagine these are mere accidents when they keep happening year after year. We will get to the bottom of this matter and resolve it permanently,” he said.

The Deputy President added that President William Ruto has already directed relevant agencies to investigate and provide a full report on the cause of the fires and recommend long-term solutions.

Part of the plan, Kindiki said, is the construction of modern, high-rise markets fitted with fire-fighting equipment, proper lighting, water supply, and other essential infrastructure. He revealed that 400 such markets are being built across the country, with 10 of them located in Nairobi County.

“Once we finish constructing, we will hand them over to the respective county governments to run them together with the traders so that we will not be having this issue of fire every time,” Kindiki said.

To further enhance safety and accessibility, Kindiki directed the Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) and Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KeRRA) to begin expanding access roads in and around Gikomba, Muthurwa, and Toi markets. The improved road network will allow easier movement of people and goods and ensure emergency services can reach affected areas quickly in case of future fires.

The latest fire has affected a wide range of traders including food vendors, second-hand clothes sellers, and carpenters, many of whom have suffered repeated losses due to similar incidents in the past.

Joining Kindiki at the meeting were National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah, Charles Njagua, Commissioner at the Commission on Administrative Justice, and the leadership of Gikomba Market.

The Deputy President assured traders that the government will support them in restarting their businesses and called for patience as the investigations begin.