Fire breaks out at Toi Market in Nairobi as traders count heavy losses

Traders at Toi Market in Kibera were left devastated on Monday after a fierce blaze tore through sections of the open-air market, destroying merchandise and makeshift structures of unknown value.

The inferno erupted suddenly in the early morning hours, engulfing stalls before many vendors could react. Witnesses described thick smoke billowing into the sky as flames leaped from one wooden stall to another in the densely packed market.

Rapid spread prompts community effort

Traders and nearby residents rushed to contain the fire using buckets of water and other means before professional help arrived. Firefighters from the Nairobi County Fire and Rescue Services eventually brought the blaze under control, preventing it from spreading to the entire market.

One affected trader recounted the chaos: “The fire spread very fast. We tried to save what we could, but most of our goods were already gone. I’ve lost everything—I don’t know how I’ll start over.”

Another vendor praised the initial efforts by locals: “People from around here joined hands to fight it before it got worse. When the firefighters came, we finally put it out.”

Frustration simmered over the response time of emergency services, with several traders claiming delays allowed more damage.

“We called immediately, but help took too long,” one said. “By the time they arrived, many stalls were already destroyed.”

No injuries or fatalities were reported in this incident.

Recurring fires fuel safety concerns

Toi Market, a key economic hub for second-hand clothes, household goods and fresh produce in Kibera, has faced repeated fires over the years.

In August 2024, a devastating blaze claimed four lives, with victims burnt beyond recognition amid suspicions of an electrical fault. Over 1,400 stalls were destroyed, impacting thousands of traders.

Earlier incidents include a major fire in June 2023 that razed property worth millions of shillings, and another in November 2021 that left sections gutted.

These recurring fires have prompted calls for improved infrastructure, including better fire safety measures and faster emergency response in informal markets.

Authorities have yet to determine the cause of Monday’s fire and are expected to launch an investigation.

The incident highlights ongoing challenges in Nairobi’s informal trading spaces, where dense layouts and limited access often exacerbate disasters.

Traders now face the task of assessing damages and rebuilding, with many fearing long-term impacts on their livelihoods.