The Mountain Journal
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Indepth investigation on the mysterious fires at Gikomba and other markets in Nairobi have been ordered to avert recurrence and guard against massive losses, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki said.
The Deputy President said President William Ruto has ordered investigative agencies to get to the root cause of the infernos including the recent fire on April 1 in Gikomba that destroyed businesses belonging to over 300 small-scale traders.
Speaking on Wednesday when he hosted affected traders at the Official Residence in Karen, Prof Kindiki said genuine concerns had been raised on the frequency of the fires and they are being addressed.
Photo/ Deputy President Prof Kithure Kindiki addressing Gikomba market fire victims.
“We must get to the root cause of the fires. The President has directed relevant agencies to investigate the causes of these fires. It doesn’t make sense to imagine that these fires are accidental. They keep on happening year in year out. Investigations are ongoing so we solve it once and for all,” DP said.
The Deputy President said the government will support the traders re-establish their hustles as it works with them on finding long-lasting solutions to various challenges facing them.
“I have spoken with all your leaders and we have agreed on the way forward. We will resolve the challenges you have raised,” DP assured them.
Photo/ A section of Gikomba market fire victims
At the same time, the DP said the ongoing construction of over 400 modern markets across the country is aimed at dignifying the small-scale traders and mama mboga by providing them with decent places of work with needed facilities.
“We are very determined to modernize trade and dignify traders so they can work in places which are up to standard and with all the requisite amenities like water, electricity.
We have standardized the facilities we are providing in every market. Every market has a room for lactating mothers, cold rooms for fresh produce among others. We are doing our best to provide decent places of work for our small-scale traders,” DP added.
