Garissa deputy county commissioner Sebastian Okiring
speaking to the press./STEPHEN ASTARIKO 
Daud Ahmed, Garissa county red cross coordinator speaking to
the press./STEPHEN ASTARIKO In the wake of a devastating fire that gutted the Garissa market early Monday morning, national and county government officials have announced a raft of emergency and long-term measures to address the damage and prevent future disasters.
The fire, which broke out at around 6:00 am at the Suq Mukti market along Posta Road, razed dozens of stalls and destroyed goods worth millions of shillings.
Traders dealing in fresh produce, clothing, groceries, electronics, and household items were among the hardest hit.
Speaking to the media, Garissa Deputy County Commissioner Sabastian Okiring said the government is initiating a joint damage assessment involving county departments such as Disaster Management, Trade, and Urban Planning.
“An investigation will immediately commence to determine the exact cause of the fire, assess any negligence, and identify safety lapses,” Okiring said.
“National and county authorities, along with other stakeholders, will also engage affected traders to explore immediate recovery and restoration options.”
He added that temporary relief support would be extended to those whose businesses and livelihoods were disrupted.
Going forward, Okiring emphasized the need to enhance fire safety protocols across major markets, including awareness campaigns, installation of fire extinguishers, and routine inspections.
Despite efforts by firefighters and local residents, the fire quickly spread, fueled by strong winds.
By the time help arrived, much of the market had been reduced to rubble.
Desperate traders attempted to salvage their goods, but most were unsuccessful.
“I don’t have words to explain the loss I’ve incurred. My fully stocked clothes shop and several sewing machines are all gone,” Abdille Noor, one of the affected traders said.
“These fires keep recurring and yet both levels of government have failed to provide a lasting solution.”
Fresh produce vendor Zeitun Ali also voiced her frustration, saying that despite previous measures such as clearing roadside stalls to improve emergency access, the response on Monday was too slow.
“The county cleared the makeshift stalls to ease access for fire trucks, but when the fire broke out, they came after it had already spread. We need permanent solutions, not temporary interventions,” she said.
Zeitun, who lost cereals and groceries worth millions, described the fire as a personal catastrophe.
“This business was my only source of income. Now everything is gone,” she said.
Traders have now called on authorities to ensure firefighting vehicles are well-maintained, staffed, and on standby to respond swiftly to future emergencies.
As the cleanup begins, both governments face growing pressure to not only assist victims but also implement lasting safety measures to protect one of Garissa’s most vital commercial hubs.
