MACHAKOS, Kenya — Hundreds of traders are counting losses after a midnight fire razed the popular Mitumba Market in Machakos Town, destroying clothing stalls and leaving many families without their primary source of income.
The inferno broke out at about midnight on Saturday, engulfing rows of makeshift iron-sheet structures that housed second-hand clothing businesses. By the time emergency responders contained the blaze, most of the stalls had been reduced to ashes.
The cause of the fire had not been established by Sunday, while authorities were yet to issue an official statement on the incident or announce the commencement of investigations.
Traders left devastated
Affected traders said they lost merchandise worth unknown amounts, with many describing the fire as a devastating blow to businesses they had built over several years.
One trader, a single mother, said the market was her family’s sole source of livelihood.
“I feel like my life has come to an end. I solely depend on the mitumba business to raise my family. I have been in this business for close to ten years now,” she said.
She recalled receiving news of the fire while asleep, adding that efforts by first responders and fellow traders to save property were unsuccessful.
Another trader said the destruction had left him unable to support his family or meet financial obligations.
“This is the only business which I depend on to raise my family, pay school fees and meet other expenses, including house rent. The fire has reduced me to zero. I call for support from well-wishers to enable me to continue with my business,” he said.
Loan repayments and livelihoods at risk
Several traders said they were servicing bank loans and now face uncertainty over how they will repay them after losing all their stock.
They appealed for assistance from the national and county governments, as well as well-wishers, to help them rebuild their businesses.
The traders warned that the destruction would have far-reaching economic consequences, affecting not only business owners but also employees and families who rely on income generated from the market.
Fire contained before spreading
Residents and traders gathered at the scene as the fire raged but were unable to salvage property because of its intensity.
Emergency response teams managed to contain the blaze before it spread to neighbouring buildings, preventing what could have been a larger disaster.
The incident adds to a series of market fires reported across Kenya in recent years, raising renewed concerns over fire safety in informal trading centres. Investigators are expected to determine the cause of the Machakos fire and assess the full extent of the damage.