A fire outbreak in the early hours of August 6, 2025, razed down 54 business stalls at the Kisumu Bus Park, directly affecting 112 traders and leaving behind massive destruction. The inferno, which began around 2:00 am, spread quickly before being contained by the Kisumu County Fire Brigade.
The stalls destroyed included those dealing in clothes, electronics, household goods and utensils. Most of the traders had recently restocked ahead of the peak sales season, and many lost their entire inventory in the fire. Some traders also reported losing cash and important documents, with no chance to salvage anything due to the speed of the flames.
Traders and local leaders suspect that the fire may have been caused by retaliation from street children following a confrontation earlier in the week. According to the Kisumu Bus Park Chairman Shem Ochuodho, the street children might have intentionally started the fire as an act of revenge. However, investigations are ongoing to determine the actual cause.
ALSO READ;
The Kisumu County Government has promised to launch a full investigation into the incident and identify any weaknesses in emergency response and fire safety within the city. Officials were on site later in the morning to assess the damage and engage with the affected traders.
The 112 traders now face an uncertain future, with many appealing for support from both county and national governments. They have called for financial assistance, temporary relocation and long-term solutions including proper fire safety systems and tighter security within the bus park area.
This fire adds to a string of similar market-related blazes in Kisumu, with growing concerns about recurring losses, inadequate safety measures and the vulnerability of informal business zones. As the city investigates this latest incident, affected traders continue to count their losses while awaiting help to resume their livelihoods.
By Benedict Aoya
Get more stories from our website: Sacco Review.
For comments and clarifications, write to: Saccoreview@
Kindly follow us via our social media pages on Facebook: Sacco Review Newspaper for timely updates
Stay ahead of the pack! Grab the latest Sacco Review newspaper!
