The devastating fire that tore through Nairobi’s Gikomba Market on Sunday, claiming two lives, injuring several people and destroying numerous businesses despite nearly 10 hours of firefighting efforts, has reignited scrutiny over audit concerns surrounding the market’s KSh59.98 million fire station.
An Auditor-General’s report had previously flagged major weaknesses in the construction and management of the facility, which was intended to strengthen emergency response capabilities at the market. The audit cited inadequate supervision, incomplete works and questionable payment procedures, raising doubts about whether taxpayers received value for money.
Records show that by June 2024, Nairobi County had disbursed KSh30.02 million, representing 50% of the contract value. However, a site inspection conducted in July 2025 revealed that several materials already paid for were missing, while the contractor was not present on site.
The report further highlighted a number of structural shortcomings, including staircases that failed to meet required standards, alongside unfinished drainage and landscaping works.
Auditors also noted that informal structures had emerged around the fire station, restricting access to the facility. In addition, the station’s water tank had been removed from its elevated position, reducing its effectiveness in emergency situations.
Encroachment on part of the land designated for the fire station was another concern, with neighbouring market activities extending into the site and exposing the county government to potential asset loss and boundary conflicts.
Questions were also raised over the management of retention funds. While contractual requirements stipulated that 10% of payments, amounting to KSh2.99 million, be retained, the county withheld only KSh900,737, equivalent to 3%. This resulted in an excess payment of KSh2.1 million to the contractor. Auditors further observed that the retained funds were not deposited into the county’s designated deposit account as required.
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Overall, the Auditor-General concluded that the project was characterised by weak oversight, breaches of contract specifications, safety and quality concerns, and irregular handling of contract payments.
The audit findings have gained renewed relevance following Sunday’s inferno, which erupted at about 4am near the Gorofani section of Gikomba Market and destroyed several business premises. According to the Kenya Red Cross, emergency teams treated 17 people for minor burns and smoke inhalation at a first-aid centre established at the Gikomba Fire Station. Authorities were still assessing the extent of losses and investigating the cause of the fire.
As one of Kenya’s largest open-air markets, Gikomba has endured a series of destructive fires over the years, with major incidents recorded in 2015, 2018, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2024 and twice in 2025. The repeated disasters have forced traders to rebuild time and again.
The latest blaze has once again exposed the vulnerability of a market that supports thousands of livelihoods, while raising fresh questions about whether public investments aimed at improving fire preparedness and emergency response have achieved their intended purpose.
