Hundreds of Traders Count Losses After Fire Razes Mitumba Market in Machakos

Hundreds of traders in Machakos are counting losses after a fire razed sections of Mitumba Market on Saturday night. The inferno destroyed goods and stalls in the busy second-hand clothing market.

Governor Wavinya Ndeti has urged security agencies to investigate the cause of the fire. She visited the scene and spoke to affected traders who lost their merchandise in the blaze.

The market is a key economic hub for many small businesses in the area. Traders rely on it for their daily income and the destruction has dealt a heavy blow to their livelihoods.

Firefighters worked through the night to contain the flames. By morning large sections of the market lay in ruins with smoke still rising from the debris.

This is not the first time a market fire has hit traders in Kenya. Similar incidents in other counties have raised questions about safety standards and enforcement of regulations in informal trading spaces.

Local authorities have promised to support the affected traders. The focus now is on determining how the fire started and preventing similar disasters in the future.

The incident has left many families worried about their next meal. Traders are appealing for assistance as they try to rebuild their businesses from the ashes.