Embakasi West MP, Hon. Mark Mwenje has requested for a statement from the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Administration and Internal Security regarding fires that have destroyed several markets within Nairobi City County.

“Hon. Speaker, in the recent past, several markets in Nairobi have been affected by devastating fires. These incidents highlight the recurring issues of market fires in Nairobi which occasion substantial financial losses and raise concerns on safety measures and emergency response by the government,” said Hon. Mwenje

Hon. Mwenje added that the fires, totalling seven in number, over the last two days, have had a significant impact on the lives of local traders. Many of these traders have suffered loss of livelihoods and are currently seeking assistance to reconstruct their businesses.

“On Friday, August 2, 2024, a market adjacent to the Thika Road Mall was destroyed by fire. The following day on Saturday, August 3,  2024, Toi Market in Kibra Constituency, Umoja 2 Open air Market in Embakasi West Constituency, Mathare 4A Market in Mathare Constituency, Kayole Market in Embakasi Central Constituency, Kibondeni Market in Kawangware and Bondeni Market in Kibra Constituency were simultaneously destroyed by fires,” Hon. Mwenje said.

He therefore sought for a response from the Committee on Administration and Internal Security on several matters, including a comprehensive report regarding the investigations carried out on the fires, the measures put in place by the Government for relief and compensation, and the long-term strategies implemented to safeguard markets in the Nairobi region.