Traders at Nairobi's Toi Market have started the process of rebuilding their stalls following a devastating fire that left four people dead.
The rebuilding efforts come after well-wishers led by Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja donated iron sheets to the traders.
The county boss over the weekend donated 5,000 sheets.
ODM leader Raila Odinga had earlier donated Sh1.5 million towards the reconstruction of the market.
The market, which has experienced several fires over the years, has been a challenging place for traders like Tobi Naloba, who sells clothing for mothers and children.
“This is the first time the government has given us substantial help to rebuild,” Tobi said.
“There was a fire in 2007, 2013, 2019, 2023, and now this year. I have been a victim, but I thank God this time I can rebuild my stall after the Governor gave us the iron sheets.”
For Michael Odhiambo, the situation is more dire.
He lost over KSh 300,000 in the fire and is finding it difficult to start over.
"I don't know where to begin; I have lost everything," he lamented.
"But at least I have a stall now after the Governor donated the iron sheets to us. This is our livelihood."
The traders are now calling on the county government to fulfil its promise to build a perimeter wall around the market, a measure that market chairman Joshua Ogol believes will help curb insecurity.
“The Governor confirmed that there is money to build the perimeter wall, and we shall be grateful if the construction begins soon. However, we thank him for standing with the traders during this difficult period,” Ogol said.
Juliana Kabila, another trader who lost three stalls in the fire tragedy, emphasized the importance of the proposed security measures.
"To avoid future losses, we thank the Governor for assuring us that we shall have a perimeter wall and a fire engine within this place. If this is done, we shall be thankful," she said.
