MCAK Mourns Gikomba Fire Victims, Demands Accountability And Action

The Mitumba Consortium Association of Kenya (MCAK) is deeply saddened by the devastating fire that has once again ravaged Gikomba Market, claiming lives, destroying businesses, and leaving hundreds of traders facing massive losses.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of those who lost their loved ones and stand in solidarity with all traders whose livelihoods have been shattered. Gikomba is not merely a marketplace; it is the economic lifeline of thousands of Kenyan families and one of the most important centres of informal trade in the country.

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 is particularly concerned that despite numerous attempts by traders and stakeholders to engage Nairobi County Government on market safety and fire preparedness, little meaningful action has been taken. Our efforts to seek intervention on the urgent need for improved emergency response mechanisms at Gikomba have largely gone unanswered.

Of even greater concern is the fact that the Gikomba Fire Station, whose construction was completed to improve emergency response within the market, was reportedly not operational at the time of the fire and therefore played no role in containing the disaster. This raises serious questions about government priorities and accountability. 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.

We therefore call upon Governor Sakaja and Nairobi County Government to explain why the Gikomba Fire Station remains non-operational and to immediately operationalize the facility. We further demand a thorough, transparent, and independent investigation into the cause of the fire.

MCAK also calls upon both the National Government and Nairobi County Government to provide immediate support to affected traders and families of the deceased, accelerate the modernization of market infrastructure, install and maintain functional fire safety systems, improve access roads and emergency response capabilities, and establish a comprehensive disaster preparedness framework for all major markets.

The Mitumba sector supports millions of Kenyans through employment, entrepreneurship, and access to affordable clothing. Every time a market burns, jobs are lost, businesses collapse, and families are pushed deeper into poverty. Protecting traders is not merely a market issue; it is an economic and social justice issue.

This tragedy must serve as a turning point. The lives and livelihoods of Kenyan traders cannot continue to be sacrificed at the altar of government inaction.

The people of Gikomba deserve more than promises—they deserve functioning infrastructure, responsive leadership, and the protection of their investments.

MCAK remains committed to working with all stakeholders to ensure that traders operate in safe, dignified, and resilient business environments.

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