Early morning fire destroys stalls and goods of unknown value at Toi market
By Mustafa Juma, March 16, 2026Traders at the popular Toi Market are counting losses after an early morning fire swept through sections of the market, destroying stalls and goods of unknown value.
The blaze, which broke out in the morning hours on Monday, March 16, 2026, triggered panic among traders and nearby residents in Kibra as flames quickly spread across several structures within the busy trading hub.
However, emergency responders and local teams managed to contain the fire before it spread to nearby homes and institutions, according to area Member of Parliament Peter Orero.
Fire contained
Orero, in a statement issued via his official Facebook page following the incident, confirmed that the fire, whose cause has not been established, had been successfully brought under control.
“To the Residents of Kibra and our Toi Market Traders, I wish to provide an update regarding the fire that broke out at Toi Market this morning. Thanks to the swift intervention of emergency responders and local teams, the fire has been successfully contained and is no longer at risk of spreading,” he said.
The legislator expressed sympathy for traders who lost their merchandise and sources of income in the incident, describing the market as a critical pillar of the local economy.
“My heart goes out to the many traders who have lost their livelihoods and property in this blaze. Toi Market is the backbone of our community’s economy, and I know the pain this loss brings. We are committed to standing with you,” Orero added.
Learners released
Authorities also took precautionary steps to ensure the safety of learners at the nearby Toi Primary School. Students were released early and sent home as emergency teams battled the blaze.
“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,” the MP said.
Orero commended firefighters, security officers, local leaders, and community members who responded swiftly to the emergency, helping prevent the fire from spreading to nearby residential areas.
“I extend my sincere appreciation to the firefighters, security officers, local leaders, and the community members who acted bravely to prevent the fire from reaching nearby homes and institutions,” he stated.
He further urged residents and traders to remain calm and avoid the affected section of the market to allow emergency teams to complete their work and assess the damage.
Investigations into the cause of the fire are expected to begin once authorities secure the scene. Meanwhile, traders and local leaders have begun discussions on recovery efforts as the community seeks to rebuild after the devastating blaze.
Interventions
This is not the first time fire has broken out at the popular market.
In August 2025, the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga had suggested that a perimeter wall be constructed around Toi Market to deter frequent fire incidents.
Raila commented after visiting the market, which had been gutted by fire at the time. He said the construction of the perimeter wall should be prioritised by the leaders.
“Today, we stood with the Toi Market traders who were severely hit by the recent fire. To protect their wares and livelihoods, a perimeter wall is urgently needed. I call on the relevant authorities to act swiftly and make this a priority,” Raila said in a post on his X handle on Monday, August 5, 2024.