Panic gripped Kibuye Market in Kisumu on Thursday evening after part of the roof collapsed during a heavy downpour. Several traders were left with minor injuries, and property worth thousands of shillings was destroyed.
Chaos as Roof Gives Way
The collapsed shade sheltered vendors selling spices, tomatoes, and other perishables. According to witnesses, the roof gave way at the height of the rains, sending traders and customers running for safety.
“It happened so suddenly. People were screaming and scrambling to get out,” said one vendor.
The collapse caused temporary chaos in the busy open-air market, which is often packed with traders and buyers from across the region.
Response From City Authorities
Kisumu City Manager urged traders to remain calm, assuring them that a technical team had already been dispatched to assess the damage.
“We are at the market to evaluate the situation. Safety is our priority,” the official said.
The incident, however, has reignited debate about the quality of construction and the durability of market infrastructure within the county.
Residents Raise Alarm on Quality of Work
“If ordinary rainfall can bring structures down, what does that say about the quality of work being done in this county?” one concerned resident questioned.
Kibuye Market is widely regarded as one of East Africa’s largest open-air markets. It hosts thousands of traders daily and plays a vital role in Kisumu’s economy. The collapse has now raised urgent calls for inspection and reinforcement of existing structures to prevent future accidents.
What Next for Traders?
While the injured were treated for minor wounds, many traders remain worried about their safety and the security of their businesses. Calls are growing for the county government to invest in stronger and safer infrastructure that can withstand harsh weather conditions.
As Kisumu continues to modernize its urban spaces, the Kibuye Market collapse stands as a reminder of the urgent need for quality control and accountability in public projects.
