In the early hours of December 24, 2024, a devastating fire broke out in the Kawangware area, engulfing several business stalls and causing significant losses to local traders just days before Christmas. The fire, which is suspected to have originated from a fish kiosk operating overnight, spread rapidly to neighboring structures, including a timber yard, before being contained by the Nairobi County fire brigade and local residents.
The blaze, which began in the small fish-selling kiosk, quickly escalated as the flames reached a nearby timber yard, fueling the fire and making it difficult for the firefighters to control. The timber yard, stocked with wood and other combustible materials, contributed to the rapid spread of the flames, threatening to destroy even more businesses in the area.
Several traders who had invested heavily in stock for the festive season were left devastated as their businesses were reduced to ashes. Many of the kiosks and establishments along Gitanga Road were destroyed in the inferno, and the traders now face the daunting task of rebuilding their businesses with limited resources. As the Christmas holiday approaches, this fire has dealt a significant blow to the livelihoods of the traders, most of whom depend on the holiday season for their income.
One of the affected traders, Mary Wanjiru, a fish vendor who owns the kiosk where the fire is suspected to have started, described the scene as chaotic. “I was preparing my stall for the morning rush when I saw smoke rising from the kiosk. Before I could react, the fire spread so fast that we couldn’t save anything,” she said. “This is the worst time for something like this to happen, especially with Christmas just around the corner. I had stocked up for the holiday season, but now all my goods are gone.”
Local residents and business owners in the area expressed their frustration and concern about the fire’s impact. Many were seen rushing to the scene to help, using water from clean water bowsers to douse the smoldering remains. Although the Nairobi County fire brigade responded swiftly, the extent of the damage had already been done by the time they arrived.
“This is a devastating loss for many people. Most of these traders depend on their businesses to support their families, and losing everything in a fire just days before Christmas is heartbreaking,” said James Kamau, a local shopkeeper who witnessed the blaze. “It’s a huge blow to the community, and we are all hoping for a swift recovery for the affected traders.”
The fire also raises concerns about the safety of the area, with many traders calling for better fire prevention measures. Some pointed out that the kiosks and stalls in the area are often built using highly flammable materials, and the narrow alleys make it difficult for emergency services to reach the scene in time. There are also concerns about the lack of fire extinguishers in many of the businesses, which could have helped contain the fire before it spread further.
As investigations continue into the cause of the fire, the affected traders are left with a heavy burden. Some have expressed hope that local authorities and well-wishers will come forward to assist with rebuilding efforts. In the meantime, many traders are appealing for government intervention and support to help them recover from the financial blow.
For now, the Kawangware business community is grappling with the aftermath of the fire, facing both financial strain and emotional distress. With Christmas approaching, the traders will need both solidarity and resources to rebuild their businesses and regain their livelihoods.
