Kisii traders count heavy losses as fire razes businesses at Keumbu Market

A devastating fire broke out at Keumbu Market in Kisii County overnight on Saturday, November 14, 2026, causing extensive damage to businesses and prompting authorities to launch an investigation into the cause. The fire, which reportedly began at a hotel stall, quickly spread to neighboring businesses, resulting in significant losses for traders who depend on the market for their livelihoods.

Keumbu Market chairperson Samuel Ombui Ongaki stated that the exact value of the destroyed property remains unclear at this time, as the assessment of damage is ongoing. Ongaki praised swift intervention by authorities in containing the blaze and preventing further destruction. He advised affected traders to remain calm as investigations into the incident progress.

The tragedy has once again underscored the vulnerability of small-scale traders, many of whom may struggle to recover from unexpected losses. This incident echoes a previous fire at Keumbu Market in July 2026, which gained national attention after a political tour by the Linda Mwananchi movement. In response to the violence during the tour, the movement had appealed for collective punishment and boycotting businesses at the market.

Ongaki called on traders to remain patient as efforts to determine the extent of the losses and the cause of the fire continue. The immediate focus remains on assessing the damage and supporting those affected by the inferno.