Several businesses and homeowners are counting losses a dawn fire destroyed several shops and homes at Maili Nne, Kipkelion East, in Kericho County on Wednesday, July 9.
The fire, which started around 5am, destroyed more than 20 businesses and shops at the trading centre in Chepseon.
In the images seen by Kenyans.co.ke, the houses and business structures were reduced to ashes, and property of unknown value destroyed.
According to reports, the fire began in one of the residential houses before spreading to adjacent structures.
In a report, the fire brigade responded later, and nothing could be salvaged from the incident.
Former Energy Cabinet Secretary Charles Keter, on July 9, empathised with the residents affected by the fire, asking the county government to put in place measures that can arrest the situation whenever it arises.
"I implore the county government of Kericho to put in place measures that can arrest such outbreaks whenever they arise and that emergency fire response equipment be stationed at the sub-county level to curb such acts during times of distress and emergency cases," he said.
Kericho County Assembly Speaker Patrick Mutai also responded to the incident, confirming that the county is working on ensuring that every sub-county is equipped with a modern fire engine to handle such incidents.
"May all those affected, including the shop owners and traders, find peace and healing as they face the aftermath of this devastating event. The current County Executive of Kericho should strive to ensure that every sub-county is equipped with a modern fire engine to address such unexpected incidents in time," he stated.
The incident occurred months after another fire swallowed more than 21 businesses in the same county.
On February 25, the police confirmed that more than several shops were broken down by fire in the early hours in Kericho stage, but the value of destroyed properties was not determined.
It was confirmed that the fire began at 9 pm and was not detected in time. Residents blamed the slow response of the Kericho County fire brigade for the extensive damage witnessed.
