NAIROBI, Kenya, June 22 – Mitumba traders have criticized the continued failure to operationalise the Gikomba Fire Station, arguing that repeated market fires continue to destroy livelihoods despite the completion of the facility.
In a statement following Sunday’s fire at the market, the Mitumba Consortium Association of Kenya (MCAK) said traders were frustrated that a completed public facility intended to respond to emergencies remains unused.
The association questioned why the fire station has not been put into operation despite recurrent fire incidents that have caused significant losses to traders over the years.
“Traders deserve an explanation as to why a completed public facility intended to save lives and property remains dormant while livelihoods continue to go up in flames,” the association said.
MCAK called on the Johnson Sakaja administration and the Nairobi County Government to explain the delay and immediately operationalise the facility.
The traders’ lobby also demanded a transparent and independent investigation into the cause of Sunday’s fire, which destroyed goods worth millions of shillings.
The association expressed sympathy with traders and families affected by the blaze, describing Gikomba as one of Kenya’s most important informal trading hubs and a source of livelihood for thousands of households.
“This tragedy is not an isolated incident. It is the latest manifestation of a longstanding failure by public authorities to adequately protect traders despite repeated warnings, recurring fires and countless promises of reform,” MCAK said.
Gikomba Market has suffered several major fire incidents in recent years, with traders repeatedly raising concerns about inadequate fire response infrastructure and poor disaster preparedness.
