Traders in Kericho Town are counting heavy losses after a fire razed down over twenty stalls at the main bus terminus on Tuesday night, destroying goods worth an unknown value.
The inferno, which broke out at around 10 p.m., spread rapidly, reducing multiple businesses to ashes before firefighters managed to contain it.
According to a statement from the County Government of Kericho, the county’s fire department had earlier responded to another fire incident in Litein Town at 9 p.m. Two firefighting engines were dispatched to the scene and successfully managed to put out the flames.
However, as the teams were returning to Kericho, they were alerted to the second fire at the bus terminus, prompting an immediate response.
“Unfortunately, due to the prior response in Litein, our engines exhausted their water supply midway. We, however, reached out to our Finlays Disaster Management partners for backup,” the statement read.
Residents and business owners expressed their frustration over what they termed as a slow response from the county government.
“If the county firefighters had arrived earlier with enough resources, maybe some of our businesses would have been saved. By the time they came back with more water, most of the shops were already destroyed,” lamented Peter Korir, a trader at the market.
The fire consumed stalls mainly occupied by traders dealing in clothes, electronics, and household goods. Many business owners were left devastated, with some struggling to comprehend the extent of their losses.
“I have lost everything. My entire stock was inside, and I have no idea where to start,” said Jane Chebet, one of the affected traders.
Videos and images circulating on social media showed residents watching helplessly as the flames engulfed businesses, with firefighters making frantic efforts to put out the inferno.
The County Government of Kericho expressed sympathy with the affected traders, assuring them of possible support to help them recover.
“We deeply sympathize with all those affected, especially business owners whose livelihoods have been impacted. The County Government, under the leadership of H.E. Dr. Erick Mutai, remains committed to standing with them during this difficult time,” the county statement read.
The incident adds to the growing number of fire outbreaks reported across the country this year. Just two days ago, at least ten people were injured, and multiple businesses were destroyed in a fire in Kariobangi, Nairobi.
Authorities are yet to determine the cause of the Kericho fire. Meanwhile, affected traders are calling for better disaster preparedness, including well-equipped fire stations to prevent future losses.
