A fire incident has broken out at Nairobi’s busy Gikomba Market, with the blaze reported near the fish section, triggering an emergency response as authorities move to contain the situation and prevent further destruction at one of the country’s largest open-air trading hubs.

In a statement shared by Kenya Red Cross Society on its X account on Sunday, June 21, 2026, the humanitarian agency confirmed that emergency response teams had been deployed to the scene as efforts began to contain the rapidly spreading blaze.

The fire is believed to have started at around 4:00 a.m. and has caused significant damage, with response efforts ongoing.

The fire, whose cause had not been immediately established by the time of publication, triggered a swift emergency response in one of the capital’s busiest informal trading centres, with responders moving quickly to assess the situation and prevent further destruction.

“A huge fire has been reported at Gikomba Market near the fish side area. Response teams are at the scene. Updates to follow,” Kenya Red Cross said in the statement.

Panic as traders scramble to save property

Witnesses reported scenes of panic as traders rushed to salvage goods while thick smoke billowed across the area, attracting crowds as firefighters and emergency responders battled to contain the inferno.

Gikomba Market, one of Kenya’s largest second-hand clothes and open-air trading centres, has over the years experienced repeated fire incidents that have left traders counting losses worth millions of shillings.

The latest blaze once again exposed concerns over fire preparedness in informal markets, where congestion and limited emergency access continue to complicate rescue operations.

Awaiting official updates

Authorities are yet to issue a formal statement on casualties or the scale of destruction, with response teams continuing operations on the ground.

Emergency teams remained on the ground as efforts to fully contain the fire continued, with more updates expected as investigations into the cause of the blaze begin.

We’re beefing up this story with more details. Check back in minutes for full information…