More than 900 traders in Gikomba are suing the Nairobi County government. The traders are demanding 20 Billion Kenyan Shillings as compensation over the frequent fires at the Gikomba market.
In the case which was brought before the High Court the traders in Gikomba are requesting that the Nairobi County government pay them for the financial losses incurred directly and provide compensation for the loss of business opportunities, along with the costs of reestablishment.
The Gikomba traders listed out not less than 15 seperate fire incidences that have occurred since 2015 stating that the frequent fires are indicative of the Nairobi County being unable to carry out precautionary safety measures that are adequate enough to ensure the safety of both the traders and the public in general when business is being conducted within the market.
According to the traders, a fire incident which took place at Gikomba Market on the 28th of June 2018 resulted in the death of 15 people and hundreds more sustaining major injuries.
Adrian Kamotho who is the Lawyer representing the Gikomba traders stated that every attempt the traders have made towards the rebuilding of their businesses has always led to more devastation due to the recurrent infernos.
The traders accuse the Nairobi County government of negating its obligations and breach of duty by failing to create a business continuity plan that is suitable and able to effectively sustain the business environment present at the Gikomba market premises. The lack of the business continuity plan, has had an effect on the performance of the economy overall.
The traders stated that despite their payment of all required levies, license fees, rates, as well as other charges collected by the government, the fires continue to occur.
In the words of Adrian Kamotho, “The Plaintiffs are at a loss as to why the Defendant would act so negligently, in breach of contractual and legal duty.”
Apart from getting compensated, the Gikomba traders want the Nairobi County government to be compelled by the court to set up a fire station and also provide the vital fire containment paraphernalia inside Gikomba market within a period of sixty (60) days.
In the East African nation of Kenya Gikomba market, is its largest Open Air market. Sadly it has in recent times, suffered a number of fires to the extent of said fires drawing the attention of the State House.
In June of 2021, another fire hit a section of Gikomba market, resulting in more losses reaching millions of Kenya Shillings.
The Kenyan Government has in the past made pledges to combat the numerous fires. That has however not been as successful as expected even though President Uhuru Kenyatta, promised that severe action would be carried out against anyone who is found guilty.
In 2017, President Uhuru Kenyatta ordered a Probe. Said probe has however not been able to provide answers that are conclusive. More fire outbreaks have also occurred between the time the probe occurred, and now.
There have been a number of allegations claiming that land ownership tussles going on between tenants in the county houses along with traders and suspected land grabbers, have been to blame for the never ending fires.
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