Government Guarantees Aid for Gikomba Fire Victims as Investigation Starts

The state has pledged assistance to traders impacted by the recent Gikomba Market blaze in Nairobi while officials begin probing its cause.
Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura noted that the government acknowledges the magnitude of losses endured by traders who rely on the market for their day‑to‑day income.
The June 21 incident claimed two lives, left at least 17 wounded, and demolished many stalls and merchandise valued at several million shillings.
Mwaura characterised the blaze as a significant economic setback and affirmed that emergency services had been deployed to coordinate relief work.
The government recognizes the deep losses traders have suffered from the market’s operations and assures them they will not face this hardship alone,” Mwaura remarked.
The National Disaster Operations Centre, together with Nairobi County and other bodies, is evaluating damage levels and locating immediate measures to aid traders and revive commerce.
Meanwhile, officials have asked the public to remain patient and steer clear of speculation while the investigation into the fire’s origins begins.
Mwaura promised a meticulous, open inquiry to determine what sparked the blaze, covering potential negligence or criminal involvement.
He added that results will underpin enhanced fire‑safety protocols nationwide, aiming to avert comparable events.
The incident heightens worries over frequent market fires in Kenya’s principal trading hubs.
Previously, the Mitumba Consortium Association of Kenya (MCAK) expressed sorrow for fire victims and demanded inquiries into the blaze’s cause and swift aid for affected traders.
The association offered sympathy to bereaved families and solidarity with traders whose enterprises and incomes were disrupted.
“We convey our heartfelt condolences to the families of those lost and stand with all traders whose livelihoods have been shattered,” MCAK stated.
The group portrayed Gikomba as a vital economic center sustaining thousands of families via trade and small enterprises.
MCAK urged a comprehensive, open, and autonomous investigation to determine the fire’s cause and prevent future repeats.
It further appealed to the national and Nairobi county administrations for prompt support to traders and the families of the deceased.
Proposed measures included upgrading market infrastructure, installing and maintaining fire‑safety systems, improving emergency access routes, and bolstering disaster preparedness.
MCAK noted that recurring market fires significantly harm traders by halting commerce, wrecking investments, and lowering household earnings.