Toi Market Fire in Kibra Destroys Stalls, Traders Face Heavy Losses
A massive fire engulfed Toi Market in Nairobi early Monday, March 16, 2026, leaving traders counting heavy losses. Reports indicate that the blaze destroyed multiple stalls and property, with some traders losing over KSh 500,000 individually.
The incident has sparked urgent calls for better market safety and disaster preparedness.
Fire Outbreak Details
The fire reportedly started around 7:00 AM near Toi Primary School. It quickly spread to the section near Moi Girls’ School.
Preliminary investigations suggest an electricity fault may have triggered the blaze. The inferno destroyed stalls selling clothing, household items, electronics, and perishables.
Several people suffered minor injuries and received treatment at IRC Hospital. Meanwhile, students at Moi Girls’ School were safely evacuated as a precaution.
Firefighters from the Nairobi County Fire Brigade contained the fire with help from traders and local residents.
Traders React to Losses
Affected traders expressed frustration over the repeated market fires. Elizabeth Atieno, a local trader, noted she recently took a loan to restock, now left unable to repay it.
An image of Toi Market remains after massive fire destroyed businesses. Photo/ Courtesy
Many traders highlighted poor access roads and insufficient disaster management as key safety concerns. The community emphasized the need for early warning systems and stricter electrical inspections.
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Government Response
Following the devastating fire, Johnson Sakaja, the Governor of Nairobi, visited the affected market to assess the extent of the damage. During the visit, he also sought to reassure traders and the surrounding community.
However, tensions briefly escalated when some youths threw stones during the governor’s arrival. As a result, the incident created a moment of unrest at the scene.
Nevertheless, traders later apologized for the disruption and appealed for calm. Meanwhile, many traders urged the county government to provide immediate support.
Specifically, they requested financial assistance and materials to rebuild their destroyed stalls. Additionally, several victims emphasized the urgent need for help to restart their businesses.
In response, county authorities promised to support recovery efforts. Furthermore, officials pledged to introduce stronger fire prevention measures across local markets. They also committed to improving emergency response systems to prevent similar tragedies.
Moving Forward
Although no fatalities were reported, the fire exposed serious safety risks in informal markets. Therefore, traders and government officials must work together to address these challenges. Moreover, stronger collaboration can help improve infrastructure and safety standards.
At the same time, better disaster preparedness could reduce damage from future incidents. Consequently, traders are urging authorities to prioritize long-term solutions.
If implemented effectively, these measures could protect thousands of livelihoods. Ultimately, the community hopes to rebuild and restore the market quickly.
With timely support and improved safety systems, traders believe the market can recover and thrive again.
