Traders at Mtindwa Market in Umoja are counting losses after a massive fire tore through the busy trading center on Saturday, January 3. Emergency response teams rushed to the scene amid thick plumes of smoke, with firefighters working tirelessly to contain the inferno before it spread to nearby homes. The blaze is suspected to have been caused by a faulty transformer.
The fire quickly spread through the market stalls, with reports indicating it was encroaching on residential homes, forcing residents to evacuate as emergency crews battled the flames. Officials have advised residents to stay clear of the area while operations are underway. The full extent of the damage and any casualties remain unclear, with authorities yet to release an official statement.
For traders at Mtindwa Market, this is a nightmare they have endured before. The market has faced recurring fires over the years, with the most devastating incident on June 14, 2023, around 2 a.m., which razed the entire market to the ground and left over 800 traders without their stalls and stock. That 2023 blaze also damaged the neighboring Kenya Assemblies of God (KAG) Church.
Traders had suspected arson at the time, alleging the fire was intentionally set to force them to vacate the space. They criticized the Nairobi County fire department for a delayed response, claiming fire engines arrived over an hour late with insufficient water.
Saturday's fire adds to a growing list of market blazes in Nairobi, including those at Gikomba and Toi markets. It highlights ongoing challenges with market infrastructure and emergency responses in the capital.