Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has instructed police and other agencies to investigate why inferno keep breaking out in markets around Nairobi County, including Gikomba and Toi Market.
Through a statement from his office on Wednesday, April 9, Kindiki asked these agencies to also find long-term solutions to stop the inferno from happening again.
“The government has instructed relevant agencies to investigate the cause of the frequent inferno in the markets within Nairobi City County, including Gikomba and Toi Market, and provide comprehensive long-term solutions to avoid recurrence,” the statement reads.
According to Kindiki, one of the solutions to frequent inferno outbreaks is to build modern markets that are fully equipped with important facilities, including inferno control equipment.
Kindiki revealed that a total of 400 such markets are being built across the country, with 10 of them located in Nairobi County.
"Part of the solution to this problem is the construction of the modern markets, fully equipped with all amenities, including the inferno control equipment. 400 such markets are being constructed across the country, including the 10 within the Nairobi City County," he added
This comes after a recent inferno happened on Tuesday, April 1, which caused heavy losses for hundreds of traders at the Gikomba Market.
The inferno broke out in the 'Kwa Mbao' area near the inferno station at around 3am and lasted for hours. The inferno is said to have affected the whole area and extended to a section of the bus station area.
Kindiki met with about 400 traders who were affected by the inferno to offer support and help them get their businesses running again.
The latest inferno, which occurred in the Toi Market, was in August and claimed four lives, decimating livelihoods.
In the early hours of Saturday, August 3, flames consumed the bustling market, reducing it to smoldering ruins and leaving the local community in shock and mourning.
The inferno erupted around 5am, rapidly spreading through the densely packed stalls. Traders and residents scrambled to save whatever they could, but their efforts were in vain as the inferno raged uncontrollably.
