The Garissa assembly on Thursday passed a motion compelling the county government to urgently construct a fully equipped fire station at Soko Mugdi market following frequent loss of livelihood by traders in the town.

On Monday, a fire broke out at the busy market destroying several stalls.

The market is home to dozens of vendors dealing in fresh produce, groceries, clothing, electronics and household items.

Firefighters and residents joined efforts to contain the blaze, but several structures had already been consumed by the time help arrived.

Residents said the reason why the fire consumed a large section of the market is because fire fighting tracks were four kilometres away from the market and therefore took long to arrive and respond.

Garissa Town MCA Hussein Mohamed, who is also the Minority leader, tabled the motion that was fully endorsed by his colleagues.

The motion compels the county government to set up modern fire station, staffed with professionally trained firefighters and fire engine fitted with modern equipment that can effectively control fire outbreak within the market.

Hussein said there is need to act decisively to prevent such fire disaster in the future by urgently putting up a modern station within the market as part of preparedness mitigation measures.

“Soko Mugdi market is not an ordinary market. It is the economic heartbeat of Garissa Township and a vital nerve center for trade and employment across the county,” the minority leader said while tabling the motion.

“The other day we saw hundreds of traders and residents watching helplessly as the inferno reduced their stalls to ashes, consuming their stock. These are individuals who have invested heavily in their businesses and it was extremely sad to watch them lose everything,” he said.

Hussein regretted how the fire left thousands of families without an income for the sixth time noting that most of them were still trying to rebuild their livelihoods from a previous loss.

The motion also calls for allocation of sufficient funds in the upcoming budget cycles to support the construction and operationalisation of the fire station.

It further calls for the need by the county government to conduct comprehensive fire assessments and hazard mapping for the market and its surrounding areas to inform future zoning, safety protocols and disaster mitigation strategies.

It also recommends the launch of sustained public sensitisation and outreach campaigns to educate trader, workers and neighbouring communities on fire prevention, emergency response procedures and general safety practices.

The market that serves as the largest in Garissa county, is one of county government’s major own-source revenue.

However, the frequency of fire outbreaks in the market, often blamed on unattended fire at the eateries in the market, faulty wiring, congestion and poor planning and delayed response to fire outbreak interventions, remains a growing concern of the traders.

Public Service CS Geoffrey Ruku, who visited the market a day after it was razed down said government’s plan to construct a new modern market was at an advanced stage, noting that it was in the last procurement stages.

“The government is determined to construct a new modern market and money for this project has already been set aside.  This will be done by the Ministry of Housing,” he said.

Instant analysis

Garissa market is a major commercial hub in the region, serving both residents and traders from neighbouring counties. It is home to dozens of vendors dealing in fresh produce, groceries, clothing, electronics and household items. Among the worst affected were traders selling fruits and vegetables. There have been several fire outbreaks at the market, which have led to huge losses before the last one that occurred in June few months to the 2022 general election.