A massive fire that broke out at Nairobi’s Gikomba Market has been contained after nearly 10 hours of intense firefighting operations.

The Kenya Red Cross, in its latest update issued on Sunday, June 21, 2026, in the afternoon, confirmed that the fire had left at least 17 people with injuries.

Emergency responders, including teams from the Kenya Red Cross and county fire services, worked through the night to bring the inferno under control as traders battled to salvage goods from the densely packed market stalls.

According to the Kenya Red Cross, 17 casualties were attended to at a first aid post established at Gikomba Fire Station. The victims sustained minor to moderate injuries, including smoke inhalation and burns, as they attempted to escape the rapidly spreading flames.

“UPDATE: After nearly 10 hours of response efforts, the fire at Gikomba Market, has been contained. Kenya Red Cross first responders attended to 17 casualties with minor injuries, including smoke inhalation and burns, at a first aid post established at the Gikomba Fire Station,” the Kenya Red Cross stated.

First responders said most of the injured were stabilised at the scene before being referred for further medical attention where necessary.

The fire, which tore through sections of the sprawling open-air market, prompted a large-scale emergency response due to the market’s crowded layout and highly flammable materials commonly found in trading stalls.

Firefighters faced difficult conditions as thick smoke engulfed the area, slowing down containment efforts and forcing traders and rescue teams to work under hazardous conditions.

By the time the blaze was fully contained, significant sections of the market had already been affected, with traders counting losses as investigations into the cause of the fire got underway.

Traders count losses

Gikomba Market, one of Nairobi’s busiest trading hubs, has long been vulnerable to recurring fire incidents, often resulting in major losses for small-scale traders dealing in textiles, second-hand clothes, and household goods.

Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic as traders rushed to rescue stock, with some collapsing from smoke inhalation while others sustained burns during evacuation efforts.

Authorities have not yet established the cause of the fire, but investigations are expected to focus on the origin point and possible electrical or structural triggers.

Recurring fire concerns

The latest incident adds to a long history of fire outbreaks at Gikomba Market, which has experienced repeated disasters over the years, raising concerns about safety standards, infrastructure, and emergency preparedness in the busy commercial hub.

Nairobi County officials are expected to issue a detailed report once investigations are concluded.

For now, traders affected by the blaze are calling for urgent support as they begin the process of rebuilding after yet another devastating setback.