KISUMU, Kenya — Several businesses were destroyed after a fire swept through Kisumu Bus Park on Sunday night, leaving traders counting losses running into millions of shillings and raising fresh concerns about safety and emergency preparedness at one of western Kenya’s busiest transport hubs.
The blaze broke out at about 9 p.m., rapidly engulfing stalls, kiosks, and business premises within the park. Witnesses said the fire spread quickly, forcing traders and bystanders into a frantic effort to salvage goods as thick smoke and intense flames overwhelmed the area.
Videos circulating online showed large sections of the bus park engulfed in flames, with traders watching helplessly as the inferno consumed property and merchandise.
By Monday morning, the full extent of the damage had not been officially established. However, affected traders said losses were likely to be substantial given the number of businesses operating within the facility.
Kisumu Bus Park serves as a major transport terminal linking the city to western Kenya, South Nyanza, Nairobi, and Mombasa. Beyond transportation, it supports hundreds of small-scale traders, hawkers, and service providers who depend on daily business activities for their livelihoods.
Witnesses questioned the adequacy of emergency response measures at the facility, claiming the fire could have been contained sooner if sufficient water supplies had been available.
“Kisumu Bus Park needs a reliable water supply, adequate security lighting, and a stronger security system to protect traders and commuters,” one witness said.
Concerns were also raised about security during and after the incident. Some traders alleged that looters took advantage of the confusion and darkness to break into affected businesses and steal goods.
“Today’s fire incident has disclosed various gaps. Once containment was completed, some people were looting from the affected shops by taking advantage of the darkness and security lapses,” another witness claimed.
The allegations could not immediately be independently verified, and authorities had not issued a formal response regarding the claims.
The cause of the fire remained unknown by the time of publication. Neither the Kisumu County Government nor the Kisumu City Manager’s office had released an official statement detailing the circumstances surrounding the incident or the extent of the destruction.
As investigations begin, affected business owners are seeking answers and support as they assess the scale of losses suffered in one of Kisumu’s most important commercial and transport centres.
