Get to the bottom of Gokomba fire-Uhuru

Traders saving some of their goods at Gikomba market yesterday after fire broke out

President Uhuru Kenyatta has called for investigations to establish the cause of the fire that destroyed Gikomba Market.
It began at 3am and comes barely one month after a similar inferno consumed part of the market leading to massive losses. Arson is suspected.
A spot check by the Star showed stalls are too compact and not only blocked the roads, but also underground water points for fighting fire.
The electric connection in the market is also being questioned. Previous fires have been attributed to electric faults.
According to a trader, several stalls share a single connection from the main power point. Local electricians do the connection, posing a huge risk.
The water problem in Kamukunji constituency compounds the problem. Residents are unable to effectively help put out fire, they await for assistance from the county government.

“The structures have to be changed if we want to cub a disaster. Permanent structures should replace the current iron-sheet stalls,” said the trader, identified only as Masai.
Uhuru called for stern action against anyone found culpable for the Friday morning fire.
“Security agencies should move with speed to investigate the cause of the fire, and those believed to be behind the criminal act should face the full force of the law,” the President said.
For his part, Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko said the government was laying down strategies to ensure the market was redesigned..
“We are planning to put up a fire fighting engine at the the Kamukunji sub-county office and that will be on stand by in case of a fire outbreak,” Sonko said.
Preventive measures against fires in Gikomba only be achieved through combined efforts from traders, the county and national governments.