Fire Breaks Out at Toi Market as Traders Rush to Save Goods

Normal operations were disrupted on the morning of Monday, March 16, after a massive fire broke out at Toi Market, destroying several stalls and goods of unknown value.

The early morning blaze sent panic among traders and residents in the area as flames quickly spread across sections of the busy open-air market.

Images seen by Hivileo.co.ke showed raging flames consuming parts of the market located near Moi Girls’ School, Nairobi, as large crowds gathered around the scene.

Traders were seen desperately trying to salvage whatever goods they could, while others watched helplessly as their stalls were engulfed by the fire.

Thick Smoke Visible Across Nairobi

Videos circulating online captured the scale of the blaze, with a huge cloud of smoke rising high above the surrounding neighbourhoods.

The thick smoke could be seen from several parts of Nairobi, highlighting the magnitude of the fire.

Authorities had not immediately revealed the cause of the fire or the extent of the damage by the time of publication.

Also Read: Doctors from Abroad Issue Demands Over Detention of Dr Job Obwaka

Emergency responders were expected to assess the situation as efforts to contain the blaze continued.

Initial Confusion Over Source of the Fire

There were initial fears that the inferno had originated from the neighbouring Moi Girls’ High School.

However, it was later established that the fire started within the busy market on Monday morning.

Confirming the incident,Kibera MP Peter Orero said the fire had been successfully contained and was no longer at risk of spreading.

He also thanked emergency responders and members of the community for their swift action.

Toi Primary School Learners Sent Home

The Kibra MP further confirmed that learners from the nearby Toi Primary School had been released and sent home as a precautionary measure.

“As a precautionary measure, students were released and sent home safely earlier today. I want to reassure all parents that the school is not under threat; the evacuation was a safety priority while emergency teams worked nearby,” Orero said in a statement on his Facebook page.

Also Read:Drone Hits Fuel Tank Near Dubai International Airport, Flights Temporarily Suspended

He also urged residents to remain calm and avoid the affected area to allow emergency teams to complete their work.

“Moving forward, I urge everyone to remain calm and avoid the affected area for the time being to allow emergency teams to complete their work. Please continue to cooperate fully with the authorities on the ground,” he added.

Market Hit by Another Major Fire

The latest incident comes two years after another fire broke out at Toi Market, claiming four lives.

That blaze, believed to have been caused by an electrical fault, destroyed nearly all business structures and caused damage worth millions of shillings.

Following the earlier incident, leaders pledged support for affected traders and promised measures to prevent future fires.

However, barely two years later, another inferno has destroyed newly erected structures at the market, raising fresh concerns about the need for a lasting solution to the recurring fires that continue to devastate traders’ livelihoods.

Follow our WhatsApp channel for instant news updates