Traders at Soko Mjinga market in Wajir are calling for stronger fire safety and preparedness measures following a night inferno that destroyed more than 60 stalls on Sunday.
The fire, which broke out shortly before midnight, razed sections of the open-air market before it was contained by the Wajir County Municipality fire brigade with support from residents.
Police have since launched investigations to establish the cause of the incident, which left traders counting losses running into millions of shillings.
Vendors who spoke to the press said the incident highlighted long-standing gaps in market safety, including the lack of basic firefighting equipment.
Aden Khalif, whose utensil stall was destroyed, said traders have repeatedly appealed for functional safety systems.
“We need fire extinguishers and trained personnel in these markets. Fire engines arrive when the damage is already extensive. We cannot continue operating without proper emergency preparedness,” he said.
Another trader, Fardowsa Mohamed, urged both levels of government to prioritize market safety to avert recurring losses.
“We don’t know what started this fire, but we know that without preventive measures, these incidents will keep happening. Our businesses depend on safer operating spaces,” she said.
Long-time vendor Malyun Ahmed said the recurring fires across markets in the region pointed to the need for structured response plans.
“Every time a fire breaks out, traders lose everything. We need a permanent solution, not just responses after the damage is done,” she said.
The Soko Mjinga fire adds to a series of similar incidents reported this year in markets across Wajir and neighbouring counties.
By Hamdi Buthul
