Four people have been confirmed dead and property of unknown value destroyed following a fire that broke out at Toi market in Kibera, Nairobi County in the early hours of Saturday, August 3, 2024.
The four people are reported to have been burnt beyond recognition following the fire that razed down Toi market.
Preliminary reports indicate that a child is among the four and that some of the victims were attempting to save their belongings when they were overpowered by the flames.
Traders at the popular Toi market are also counting losses after fire razed down their stalls in the incident which was reported to have started at around 4am.
Furthermore, witnesses confirmed that the fire broke out in one section of the market spreading through a number of stalls. Police officers had arrived at the scene by Saturday 7:20 am.
Photos seen by The Kenya Times showed a huge fire razing down a section of the market from a distance while others showed some of the iron sheet stalls completely burnt.
First respondents were also captured at the scene trying to salvage the remains of the fire whose cause remains unconfirmed.
Firefighters Arrive at Toi Market
Following the appeal for help, a multi-agency team comprising of firefighters from the Nairobi City County were deployed to help contain the inferno that reduced property to ashes.
Also Read: Property Destroyed After Huge Fire at Kenyatta University
Traders in the market have encountered losses over the years as this is not the first time the market is going down in flames.
The market has become prone to frequent fires, despite government promising an end to the infernos.
In November 2023, another fire burnt down the market with property worth millions of shillings razed during the inferno which also started in early morning hours at around 2am.
Also, a fire razed down a section of stalls at the market in November 2021 leaving traders counting heavy losses. Lack of access roads have also been faulted for the slow response of fire services.
Nairobi County Fires
The fire reported at Toi market is among recent incidents of infernos that have been reported within Nairobi County which have led to loss of property.
Also Read: 4 in Critical Condition as KDF Battles Night Fires
On May 4, 2024, a huge fire broke out broke out at Kenyatta University main campus with the University while confirming the incident noting that the inferno started at approximately 11:00 PM on the top floor of the Old Moi Library.
According to KU, the collaborative response of the various entities significantly mitigated the potential severity of the situation.
The University further stated that the burnt floor housed departmental and administrative offices, adding that the incident occurred after working hours thus the premises were unoccupied.
“Following the quick and coordinated efforts of KU fire marshals along with the invaluable support and cooperation from Kiambu County and the Kahawa Military Barracks Fire Brigades the blaze was swiftly contained,” read part of the statement.
“Though we lost property, no staff or students were injured or harmed in this unfortunate incident. This morning, the University Management was at the scene and assessed the situation.”
Similarly, on Wednesday, May 1, a huge fire broke out at the Waruku area of Kangemi, razing houses within the area.
The fire, which also burnt down stalls was however contained by the residents who could not establish the cause.
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