Laikipia East Member of Parliament Mwangi Kiunjuri has thanked President William Ruto after announcing that Ksh5,000,000 had been provided to support traders affected by the recent fire at Nanyuki Market.

In a statement shared on Friday, June 27, 2026, Kiunjuri said he and Laikipia County Woman Representative Jane Kagiri appealed to the President for assistance following the fire, which destroyed businesses and disrupted the livelihoods of traders operating at the market.

According to Kiunjuri, the funds are intended to help the affected traders rebuild their businesses and resume trading.

Kiunjuri thanks Ruto

Kiunjuri said the financial support followed an appeal made to President Ruto on behalf of traders who lost their businesses in the fire.

“Today, alongside Hon. Jane Kagiri, OGW Laikipia County MP, I had the privilege of delivering much-needed support to our hardworking traders at Nanyuki Market, whose businesses and livelihoods were recently devastated by a tragic fire outbreak,” Kiunjuri said.

He added that the President responded after the leaders sought his intervention.

“Following this disaster, we approached H.E. President William Samoei Ruto to appeal for assistance on behalf of the affected traders.

“True to his commitment to empowering ordinary citizens, the President graciously stepped in to provide this vital support of five million shillings (KSh5,000,000), ensuring our traders have the capital and resources to rebuild their lives and kickstart their businesses once again,” he said.

Kiunjuri further expressed gratitude to the President for responding to the appeal.

“We cannot thank the President enough for hearing our cry and standing with the people of Laikipia East during this challenging time.

“To our resilient market traders: your resilience inspires us, and we will continue to walk this journey of recovery hand-in-hand with you. Let us rebuild, stronger together!”

Relief for traders

The announcement comes weeks after a fire razed sections of Nanyuki New Market, leaving traders counting losses after businesses and merchandise were destroyed.

The incident renewed concerns over disaster preparedness in major trading centres, where many small-scale traders depend on their businesses as their primary source of income.

According to Kiunjuri, the KSh5,000,000 support is expected to assist affected traders as they replace stock, restore their businesses and resume operations.

The statement did not indicate how the funds would be distributed among the affected traders or how many beneficiaries would receive the support.

Kiunjuri’s remarks also come as political leaders continue engaging communities across the country ahead of the 2027 General Election.

However, his statement focused on the assistance provided to traders following the market fire and did not make any reference to the upcoming election.