Property of unknown value destroyed as fire breaks out at Gikomba market
Traders at Gikomba are counting losses after a fire broke out at the famous market in Nairobi’s Kamkunji constituency, destroying property of unknown value.
Kamkunji Member of Parliament (MP) Yusuf Hassan has confirmed that the inferno erupted in the footwear section of the market on Sunday, May 18, 2025, at about 3:00 am.
The fire consumed the section located adjacent to Lamu Road in Majengo, Pumwani.
Taking to his official social media accounts, MP Hassan confirmed that the county fire engine had arrived at the scene, with firefighters and locals volunteering to battle the inferno that was spreading quickly.
“A massive fire erupted in the footwear section of Gikomba Market, adjacent to Lamu Road in Majengo in Pumwani, at around 3 am. The county fire engine has arrived, and firefighters and local volunteers are battling to squash the inferno,” the lawmaker wrote on X.
A video shared by the MP shows the blaze overtaking the market, forming yellow clouds with a fire engine in the vicinity, as passers-by watched helplessly.
However, Hassan did not disclose the cause of the fire, which remains a subject of investigation.
Gikomba market fires
This is not the first time Gikomba market is going up in flames. On April 1, 2025, another fire broke out at the popular market, leaving a trail of destruction.
Reports indicated that the April 1 inferno also erupted at 3:00 am in the Kwa Mbao section of the market, consuming the entire area and even spreading to the nearby bus station.
Traders who lost their stock in the fire suspected that faulty electrical wiring may have been the cause. A similar incident had occurred on March 1, 205, at the same section.
Traders have frequently alleged that the fires are intentionally started by rivals seeking to eliminate competition, with some accusing land grabbers.
Government’s intervention
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki had on April 9, 2025, directed the police and other investigative agencies to look into the recurring market fires in hotspots such as Gikomba and Toi Market.
“The government has instructed relevant agencies to investigate the cause of the frequent infernos in markets within Nairobi City County, including Gikomba and Toi Market, and to provide comprehensive, long-term solutions to prevent future occurrences,” a statement from the Deputy President’s office read.
