Senator Karen Nyamu is now calling for the implementation of consultative engagements on fire disaster response to averts further loss of life in fire incidences.
In the early hours of Saturday, August 3, flames consumed the bustling Toi market, reducing it to smouldering ruins and leaving the local community in shock and mourning. The inferno tragically claimed lives and livelihoods.
The senator is now calling for the intervention of the Committee on National Security, Defence and Foreign Relations, alongside the Committee Devolution and Intergovernmental Relations following the devastating fire that ravaged Toi Market in Kibera Constituency on 3rd August, 2024.
‘’On the fateful Saturday morning, four people including a child were reported to have been burnt beyond recognition as a result of the inferno. The victims were reportedly attempting to rescue their belongings when they were overpowered by the flames,’’ Nyamu explained.Toi Market Fire
The Senator emphasised that the tragedy was not an isolated event but rather a recurring disaster affecting the community. According to Nyamu, a critical factor contributing to the severity of such fires was the lack of adequate access roads, which often hinders the rapid response of fire services.
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In view of this, Nyamu urged the Committees to prioritise engagement with stakeholders to promote community awareness of potential hazards and preparedness measures through leveraging community forums and social media platforms.
Furthermore, Nyamu recommended that the Committees oversee the training of communities by the National and County Governments on effective fire disaster response strategies, including preparedness, evacuation and mitigation; to reduce both casualties and property damage in future incidents.
The Senator also called for the establishment of compensation measures for the fire victims and scaling up of infrastructure by both National and County Governments to prevent and manage such catastrophic events.