Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale on Thursday extended a helping hand to traders affected by a recent fire at Suq-Muqdi open air market in Garissa town. Duale donated 1,000 iron sheets and 170 wheelbarrows, valued at over Sh1.6 million, to support 550 traders most of whom are women who rely on the market to earn a living through selling groceries from wheelbarrows and makeshift stands.
The donation comes three weeks after a devastating fire razed the market, destroying all the traders’ stock and leaving many of them struggling to get back on their feet. This marks the fifth time the market has been hit by a fire in the past decade, with investigations still ongoing to determine the cause. Samples collected from the scene have been sent to Nairobi for analysis by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).
Garissa County Commissioner Mohamed Mwabudzo, speaking during the donation event held at the Garissa Town Club, emphasized the need to uncover the root cause of the repeated fires. He revealed that plans for a new modern market are underway. The new facility, which will accommodate 750 traders, is expected to cost over Sh500 million. The tendering process is ongoing, and a contractor is set to begin work within the next three months if all goes as planned.
Mwabudzo also urged other well-wishers to come forward and support the affected traders, many of whom still lack basic necessities like tents and temporary shelter.
Market chairman Billow Adow appealed to the county government to allow traders to erect temporary stalls as they await the construction of the new market. He expressed concern that some traders attempting to resume business at their usual spots are being harassed by county enforcement officers.
One of the traders, Ann Wambui, highlighted the urgent need for tents to shield perishable goods from the scorching sun. She and others expressed gratitude to CS Duale, noting his continued support during previous fire tragedies.
The community hopes the planned redevelopment of the market will offer a long-term solution and restore stability for the traders.
