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17 injured as Gikomba Market fire is contained after 10 hours
21st June, 2026 04:37 PM
The Kenya Red Cross has confirmed that a major fire that broke out at Gikomba Market has been contained after nearly 10 hours of firefighting efforts.
According to a statement by the agency on Sunday, June 21, 2026, first responders attended to 17 casualties who sustained minor injuries, including smoke inhalation and burns. The injured were treated at a first aid post set up at the Gikomba Fire Station.
“UPDATE: After nearly 10 hours of response efforts, the fire at Gikomba Market has been contained. Kenya Red Cross first responders attended to 17 casualties with minor injuries, including smoke inhalation and burns, at a first aid post established at the Gikomba Fire Station,” the Kenya Red Cross stated.
Fire Starts at Dawn
The fire is reported to have started around 4:00 am near the fish section and Gorofani area before spreading rapidly through densely packed stalls.
It quickly consumed large quantities of second-hand clothes, shoes, household goods, and other merchandise, leaving traders counting heavy losses.
By mid-morning, large sections of the market were covered in burnt debris, twisted metal sheets and ash, with affected areas including Gorofani, Bondeni, Kwa Mandizi, Kwa Ma Bags, Kwa Ma Kuku, Kwa Uniforms, Kwa Ma Shirts na Jeans, Kwa Mbao Section, Kwa Fish Section and the Daraja Area.
Multi-agency response teams, including firefighters and the Kenya Red Cross emergency units, worked through the morning to contain the blaze.
Recurring tragedy
Gikomba Market has suffered repeated fire outbreaks over the years, raising long-standing concerns about safety and infrastructure.
Notable incidents include a deadly blaze in June 2018 that killed 15 people, a major fire in 2000 that burned for more than eight hours, and multiple outbreaks in 2015, 2017, 2019, 2021, and several in 2025.
Traders and leaders have consistently pointed to overcrowding, electrical faults and poor infrastructure as key risks, despite repeated promises of modernisation and improved safety measures.
Authorities have yet to confirm the full extent of losses from the latest fire as assessments continue.
Author
William Muthama
William Muthama is a digital journalist with a focus on entertainment, human interest, and current affairs. Share stories: [email protected]/ [email protected]
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