Gov’t Reveals Plan to Curb Gikomba Fires

In a statement on Friday, August 7, Interior Principal Secretary Karanja Kibicho said the CCTV cameras will go a long way in curbing the perrenial fires that have left traders counting losses amounting to hundreds of millions of shillings.

Kibicho – who visited the market after a night inferno that razed down stalls and residential flats – said the government would also fasttrack the construction of a perimeter wall around the market so as to keep off arsonists and other criminals.

Scenes following the Gikomba Market fire on Friday, August 6

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Interior PS Karanja Kibicho

The PS further noted that the government was still on course in its quest to construct modern and safer markets that will see traders relocated from the current air open one.

Phase one of the six-storey market construction was completed in October 2020 at a cost of Ksh 493 million.

“The President has sent us to offer his sympathies and to reiterate his pledge that he will do something to ensure Gikomba traders have a decent and secure environment to conduct their businesses without these frequent fires. We will not tire from seeking a permanent solution to these fires,” the PS said.

Kibicho, who was accompanied by NMS Director General Maj. Gen. Mohammed Badi, area MP Yusuf Hassan, and Nairobi Regional Commissioner, James Kianda, said the government will support the affected traders to rebuild their businesses.

A team to assess the exact number of affected traders and the value of property lost has been formed and is expected to table its findings by next week.

NMS boss Mohammed Badi and Interior PS Karanja Kibicho (R) at Gikomba market on Friday, August 6.

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Interior PS Karanja Kibicho