Traders at Nanyuki New Market in Laikipia County are counting millions of shillings in losses after a massive overnight fire broke out on Saturday, May 23, destroying stalls and valuable merchandise.
The blaze, whose cause had not been established by Sunday morning, reportedly spread rapidly through the market, leaving traders stranded as flames consumed their businesses and investments.
Videos circulating online showed huge flames and thick smoke engulfing the market as hundreds of residents gathered outside, watching firefighters struggle to contain the inferno for several hours through the night.
Massive fire destroys Nanyuki new market, traders count millions in losses. Photo: Courtesy.
Emergency response teams from the Laikipia County Government, the British Army Training Unit Kenya (BATUK), and Kenya Air Force personnel from the Nanyuki Air Base were later deployed to help contain the fire.
However, traders expressed frustration over what they described as a delayed response from emergency teams, arguing that quicker intervention could have saved part of their property.
The incident has reignited concerns among residents over fire preparedness and emergency response capabilities in busy trading centres across the county.
Despite the extensive destruction, no casualties had been reported by Sunday morning as traders awaited official communication from authorities.
Nanyuki New Market, located near the Mwisho wa Reli area, has long served as a major trading hub known for fresh farm produce, affordable meals, and consumer goods.
The market had also been earmarked for expansion into an ultra-modern multi-million-shilling facility aimed at improving the local business environment.
The fire adds to a growing list of recent market infernos witnessed across the country, including incidents at Toi Market and Gikomba Market in Nairobi.
