Safina Party has called on authorities to urgently support traders affected by the latest fire at Gikomba Market, which left two people dead and destroyed hundreds of stalls in one of Nairobi’s largest trading hubs.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the party expressed solidarity with traders who lost goods and livelihoods in the early-morning blaze on June 21 at around 2:00 am, which rapidly spread through densely packed sections of the market.
Authorities confirmed that two people died in the incident, while several others sustained injuries as firefighters battled to contain the flames. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
Safina Party said the incident had left thousands of traders in distress, noting that Gikomba Market remains a critical source of income for small-scale entrepreneurs and informal sector workers.
The party urged government agencies to move quickly in assessing the extent of the damage and rolling out emergency support measures for affected traders.
“We call upon the relevant authorities to move with urgency in assessing the extent of the damage, supporting affected traders, and ensuring that emergency interventions are put in place to help them recover,” the party said.
Safina further called for a comprehensive investigation into the recurring fires at the market, arguing that repeated incidents have exposed traders to avoidable losses over the years.
The party noted that Gikomba has experienced more than a dozen major fires since 2015, with previous incidents reported in 2017, 2018, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2024, and 2025, causing widespread destruction and significant economic losses.
It also pointed to similar incidents in other Nairobi markets, including Mlango Kubwa, citing issues such as electrical faults, congestion, and limited emergency access as recurring challenges.
In response to the persistent fires, both national and county authorities have previously announced plans to modernise Gikomba Market through a Sh5 billion redevelopment programme, which includes relocation of traders, improved fire safety infrastructure, and strengthened emergency response systems.
Safina Party, however, said more urgent reforms were needed to break what it described as a “cycle of destruction” affecting small-scale traders.
“Kenyans deserve safe trading spaces, not a cycle of destruction that leaves ordinary citizens counting losses year after year,” the party stated.
The party concluded by reaffirming its support for affected traders, saying it stands with them during the recovery period and calling for long-term solutions to prevent similar tragedies in future.