A devastating fire broke out in Kagio town, Ndia, Kirinyaga County, Kenya, early on Friday morning, destroying numerous businesses and causing significant losses for traders. The fire, which started at around 3 am, razed hotels, salons, video halls, and other businesses, leaving many business owners counting their losses. The cause of the fire remains unknown, and police have launched investigations to establish its origin.
Residents of Kagio town reported that efforts to contain the blaze were hindered by delays in getting firefighting support. They claimed that the Kirinyaga County fire brigade failed to respond in time, forcing residents to rely on available water to fight the fire. A clean water truck from Kerugoya arrived, but residents said it was not equipped to effectively tackle the blaze.
Tensions rose when a firefighting team from neighbouring Embu County arrived at around 5 am and was nearly attacked by angry residents. The team explained that they had come to assist in containing the fire. Despite the challenges, residents managed to contain the fire, with the help of a 24-hour nightclub, Cash Cash, which provided water to aid in the firefighting efforts.
Business owners Daniel Kangangangi and Margaret Wawira, whose businesses near the affected area were not damaged, blamed the county government for failing to provide adequate firefighting services. Wawira expressed frustration, saying, "They came with a clean water vehicle yet the building was burning. What’s wrong with the county government yet we pay taxes?"
The fire has left many business owners with significant losses, including a lady who had just started her business and lost everything. Kangangangi described the situation as unfortunate, saying, "It is unfortunate a lady who started her business the other day, all her business is down." The total extent of the losses is still unknown, but it is clear that many businesses have been severely affected.
Gerald Kimani, a resident who led efforts to contain the fire, said that one person had raised an alarm about a fire before it spread, but residents did not take the warning seriously. Kimani's efforts, along with those of other residents, helped to contain the fire, but not before it had caused significant damage.
The Kirinyaga County government has yet to comment on the incident, but police have launched investigations to establish the cause of the fire. The incident has highlighted the need for improved firefighting services in Kagio town, and the importance of preparedness and response in emergency situations.
Key points
- The fire caused millions of shillings in losses for traders in Kagio town, Kirinyaga County, Kenya.
- The response of the Kirinyaga County fire brigade was criticized by residents, who claimed they failed to respond in time to contain the blaze.
- Police have launched investigations to establish the cause of the fire, which remains unknown.
