Hundreds of traders in Nanyuki are staring at huge losses after a massive fire razed part of the New Market, destroying businesses and property worth millions in yet another market inferno that has hit traders across the country.
The fire, which broke out at the busy trading centre on Saturday night, left traders scrambling to save goods as flames quickly spread across several stalls.
Residents and business owners reportedly tried to contain the blaze before firefighters arrived.
Laikipia Senator John Kinyua has now blamed poor disaster preparedness, saying county authorities need to invest more in emergency response systems.
“My heart goes out to the Nanyuki New Market community following the unfortunate fire disaster that has happened,” Kinyua said in a statement posted on Facebook.
“We thank God that no life has been lost but the losses are of unimaginable magnitude.”
The senator further challenged the county government to strengthen its fire response capacity following the incident.
“To the county government of Laikipia, you should invest more in disaster preparedness and response,” he stated.
Kinyua also called on Kenyans to support affected traders as they begin rebuilding their livelihoods.
“I beseech us all to stand with the victims and help bring our market back to life,” he added.
The Nanyuki fire now adds to a growing list of market infernos that have repeatedly left small traders counting losses across the country.
In the past few years alone, major fires have been reported at Gikomba Market, Toi Market, Nyamakima, Kisumu Jubilee Market, Nakuru Wakulima Market and several other trading centres, destroying property worth billions of shillings.
Most of the fires have often been linked to poor electrical connections, overcrowding, lack of proper fire exits and delayed emergency response.
In many cases, traders have accused county governments of failing to equip markets with proper firefighting systems despite repeated disasters.
For traders in Nanyuki, however, the immediate concern remains how to restart businesses after losing stock and sources of income overnight.