A massive night fire on Friday ravaged property of unknown value at a building in Khoja, Mombasa, sending plumes of thick smoke into the night sky and sparking fears of further destruction. The blaze, which engulfed the top floor of the building located opposite the mosque, drew the attention of residents who gathered helplessly as firefighters battled to contain the inferno.
According to witnesses, the Mombasa fire brigade responded promptly, deploying engines to the scene shortly after the alarm was raised. Firefighters worked tirelessly to put out the flames and prevent them from spreading to neighbouring buildings. Despite their swift intervention, smoke continued to billow from the structure long after the fire had broken out, leaving onlookers anxious about the extent of the damage.
Authorities have yet to establish the cause of the fire, but investigations are underway. Fortunately, no fatalities or injuries were reported, although several residents lamented the destruction of their properties and the losses incurred.
This incident comes just days after a major fire tore through Gikomba Market in Nairobi on Tuesday, August 19, destroying property worth millions of shillings. Traders at the busy market were left counting heavy losses after stalls and goods were reduced to ashes.
The back-to-back tragedies in Mombasa and Nairobi have reignited concerns about fire preparedness in Kenya’s urban centres. Many residents and business owners have called for urgent investment in additional fire stations, modern firefighting equipment, and rapid response units to enhance disaster preparedness.
“We cannot continue to suffer these losses year after year. The county governments must do more to protect lives and livelihoods,” said one resident.
Authorities have promised thorough investigations into both incidents, with assurances that stronger safety measures will be implemented to avert similar disasters in the future. For now, however, victims of the Khoja and Gikomba fires are left to pick up the pieces, mourning their destroyed investments and uncertain about what lies ahead.
