KISUMU, Kenya – Traders at Kibuye Market in Kisumu are counting heavy losses after a fire swept through sections of the busy trading centre on Monday evening, destroying stalls and merchandise.
Videos shared from the scene showed flames and thick smoke rising from the market as residents, traders and emergency crews attempted to contain the blaze.
Several roadside stalls and retail shops were affected, leaving traders facing significant losses and uncertainty over how they would rebuild their businesses.
The full value of the property destroyed had not been established by Tuesday morning.
The cause of the fire also remained unknown, with authorities expected to investigate the incident.
There were no immediate reports of deaths or injuries.
Kibuye is one of the largest open-air markets in the region and supports thousands of traders, workers and families who depend on daily sales for their livelihoods.
The fire disrupted business at the market and left traders assessing what remained of their stock following the night-time blaze.
Kisumu Senator Prof Tom Ojienda described the fire as a painful blow to the community and a major setback for traders and their households.
“The fire that struck Kibuye Market last evening has dealt a painful blow to our community and a serious setback to our traders and their households, whose livelihoods depend on their daily sales,” Ojienda said.
He expressed sympathy with the affected families and called for a joint effort to help traders rebuild their businesses and resume operations.
“My heart goes out to every family affected by this tragedy. I share in your pain and stand with you,” the senator said.
“We must come together to support the affected traders, help them get back on their feet and restore the businesses on which so many families depend.”
The incident has renewed concerns over fire preparedness and emergency access at crowded open-air markets, where closely packed stalls and highly combustible materials can accelerate the spread of flames.
Kibuye Market has experienced fires in previous years, causing traders to lose goods and property worth millions of shillings.
The market has also undergone infrastructure improvements intended to enhance safety and ease emergency response, including plans for access lanes, lighting, drainage systems and fire hydrants.
Traders are expected to begin cleaning the affected sections and documenting their losses as investigations into the cause of the blaze continue.
