Bomet County is counting massive losses after their business premises were reduced to ashes. The fire, which broke out on Thursday night, destroyed stalls and shops, with traders losing goods worth hundreds of thousands of shillings. Fortunately, no casualties were reported in the incident.
Eyewitnesses described a chaotic scene as traders scrambled to salvage whatever they could from their shops before the raging flames consumed everything in their path. Many, however, were unable to save anything as the fire spread rapidly through the wooden structures.
“I tried to salvage my goods, but the fire had destroyed everything by the time I got to my shop,” said one devastated trader. Others echoed similar sentiments, stating that they had lost their entire stock and were now uncertain about their future.
The cause of the fire remains unknown, with authorities launching an investigation to establish the origin of the blaze. Police officers have already visited the scene, urging affected traders to remain patient as investigations continue.
Sigor trading centre is a crucial economic hub for many small-scale traders in the region, most of whom rely entirely on their businesses for their livelihoods. With the destruction of their stalls, the traders now face financial uncertainty, with many calling for government intervention to help them rebuild.
Local leaders and well-wishers have since called for immediate assistance for the affected traders. Speaking after visiting the scene, a local leader urged both the county and national governments to step in and provide financial aid or alternative business premises to help the traders recover from the tragedy.
“This is a major setback for our local business community. We urge the county government to offer support, including temporary stalls, as traders work to rebuild their livelihoods,” he said.
As investigations continue, traders at Sigor trading centre are left hoping for urgent relief to help them get back on their feet. The incident highlights the need for enhanced fire safety measures in business hubs to prevent such losses in the future.
