A massive fire broke out at Gikomba Market in Nairobi in the early hours of Sunday, May 18, 2025, destroying property worth millions. The inferno, which started around 3 a.m., quickly spread through the footwear section near Lamu Road in Pumwani, Majengo, reducing hundreds of stalls to ashes.
Hundreds of traders woke up to the heartbreaking sight of their businesses in ruins. Many had stocked up on goods for the busy Monday sales, only to find everything destroyed. One trader, Mary Gathoni, revealed she lost stock worth Sh3 million, including newly arrived shoes meant for redistribution. Another trader, Finch Mwanga, estimated that some vendors lost goods worth over KSh 4 million.
For traders like Hussein Omar, the fire wiped out years of hard work. “Everything is gone. All my stock, all my savings, reduced to ashes in a few hours. We’re back to zero again,” he lamented.
Firefighters and local volunteers rushed to the scene to battle the flames. Kamukunji MP Yusuf Hassan praised their efforts but emphasized the need for a deeper investigation into the recurring fires. Many traders criticized the county government’s response, stating that fire engines arrived late and ran out of water shortly after reaching the scene.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki had previously ordered an investigation into the frequent fires at Gikomba and Toi markets, promising long-term solutions. However, traders remain skeptical, as similar fires have occurred repeatedly over the years.
The cause of the fire remains unknown, but traders suspect foul play. Some believe business rivals or land cartels deliberately set the fires to drive them out. Others blame faulty electrical wiring, which has been linked to past incidents.
As bulldozers cleared the debris, traders salvaged whatever remained of their businesses. Many pleaded with the government to build a safer market to prevent future fires.
For now, Gikomba Market remains a scene of devastation, with traders struggling to rebuild their lives. The upcoming investigation will determine whether this was an accident or yet another case of deliberate destruction.
