Traders Count Losses After Fire Razes Section of Kisumu's Kibuye Market

Traders at Kibuye Market in Kisumu are counting their losses after a fire razed a section of the busy market, destroying shops, goods and sources of income.

The incident has left several traders and their families facing uncertainty, with calls for support to help those affected recover and rebuild their businesses.

In a statement on Tuesday, September 8, Kisumu Senator Tom Ojienda described the fire as a major setback for traders whose livelihoods depend on their daily sales.

"The fire that struck Kibuye Market last evening has dealt a painful blow to our community and a serious setback to our traders and their households, whose livelihoods depend on their daily sales," he wrote.

Ojienda called for collective support for the traders affected by the fire, saying efforts should focus on helping them recover and restore the businesses that support their families.

"We must come together to support the affected traders, help them get back on their feet and restore the businesses on which so many families depend," he added.

Former Kisumu Governor Jack Ranguma also expressed concern over the impact of the fire on traders and families who lost their livelihoods in the incident.

"This tragic incident has affected the livelihoods of many hardworking traders and families. At this difficult time, my thoughts and prayers are with all those whose shops, goods, and sources of income were lost in the inferno," he wrote.

Elsewhere, a bush fire on Sunday night, September 6, broke out along the Voi-Taveta Road in Taita Taveta County.

In a statement, the Kenya Red Cross said a fire brigade team was deployed to contain the inferno and keep the residents safe. 

The organization also clarified that the blaze was a bush fire and not the result of a tanker accident. 

"Kenya Red Cross, Kenya Wildlife Service and the County fire brigade remain on the ground working to contain a bush fire along the Voi-Taveta Road and keep nearby residents safe. Note: Earlier reports described this as a tanker fire. 

"Ground teams have since confirmed it is a bush fire. More updates to follow as the situation develops," Kenya Red Cross stated. 

Prior to that, the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) responded to reports claiming that about 200 acres of forest land had been destroyed by fire at the Aberdare Forest in Nyandarua County.

In a brief statement on Wednesday, September 2, KFS said the claims are yet to be verified.

The service said it remains prepared to respond to forest fires and has deployed the necessary resources to strengthen its fire management operations.

"The Kenya Forest Service (KFS) remains fully prepared to monitor, prevent, contain and suppress forest fires, with the necessary personnel, equipment and resources deployed to strengthen fire management operations," the statement read.

KFS said it is coordinating with communities living near forests and other stakeholders as efforts continue to manage the fire within the wider Mt. Kenya Forest Ecosystem.

"The Service is also working closely with forest-adjacent communities and other stakeholders to coordinate ongoing efforts to contain and manage the fire within the Mt. Kenya Forest Ecosystem," the statement added.