Two people have been confirmed dead following a fire that broke out at Gikomba Market in Nairobi during the early hours of Sunday, June 21, 2026.
According to the Nairobi City County Government, the victims were an adult man and an adult woman. Several other people sustained minor injuries and received treatment at the scene from county ambulance personnel working alongside the Kenya Red Cross.
“Several members of the public sustained minor injuries during the incident. They received prompt, on-scene medical stabilization and treatment from Nairobi City County Government (NCCG) ambulance personnel working in close coordination with the Kenya Red Cross,” said Bramwell Simiyu, the Nairobi Disaster and Risk Management and Coordination Chief Officer.
Preliminary assessments indicate that large sections of the market were destroyed, resulting in significant losses for traders after the fire rapidly spread through stalls and commercial structures.
The county government said emergency teams successfully contained the blaze, although four firefighters were injured during the operation. Authorities also reported that a National Youth Service (NYS) fire engine was attacked and turned away by a group of youths, disrupting response efforts.
A multi-agency investigation has been launched to establish the cause of the fire, which remains unknown. Recovery operations are ongoing as authorities assess the extent of the damage and strengthen security around the affected area.
Gikomba Market Burns Again
The incident was reported by the Kenya Red Cross, which confirmed that the blaze is believed to have started at around 4:00 a.m and responders have been dispatched to the scene.
“A huge fire has been reported at Gikomba market near the fish side area,” Kenya Red Cross Nairobi Branch confirmed.
Emergency personnel are currently working to assess the situation and contain the blaze. The extent of the damage, possible injuries, and the cause of the fire had not been established at the time of the update.
“The Kenya Red Cross, alongside a multi-agency response team, is on the ground supporting emergency response efforts and assessing the needs of those affected,” Kenya Red Cross noted.
Authorities are expected to provide further information as response efforts continue at the market.
Motorists Urged to Avoid Affected Roads
Videos and images circulating online show intense flames spreading through sections of the market as emergency responders move to contain the blaze.
Authorities have advised motorists to avoid the Gikomba area and use alternative routes due to expected traffic congestion caused by ongoing emergency operations. Traffic disruptions are anticipated along Landhies Road, Kamukunji, Majengo, and surrounding roads.
Emergency responders have emphasized the need to keep access routes clear for fire engines, ambulances, and other response vehicles working at the scene.
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Traders, residents, and visitors in nearby areas have also been urged to prioritize their safety and comply with instructions issued by emergency personnel as response efforts continue.
Gikomba Long History of Fires Resurfaces as Another Blaze Hits the Market
Gikomba Market has suffered numerous fire incidents over the past two decades, with some causing extensive destruction and loss of life.
The market’s most devastating fire occurred on September 6, 2000, when a blaze in the second-hand clothing section burned for more than eight hours.
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One of the deadliest recent incidents happened on June 28, 2018, when a pre-dawn fire claimed 15 lives, including four children, injured dozens of people, and destroyed homes and business stalls in the Kwa-Mbao area.
Since 2010, the market has experienced at least 10 major fire outbreaks, affecting different sections of the trading hub. Several incidents have been recorded in recent years, including fires in 2024, 2025, and February 2026.
The recurring fires have repeatedly disrupted business activities at one of Nairobi’s largest open-air markets, raising concerns over fire safety and disaster preparedness.
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