Limuru traders counting losses after fire guts down businesses

More than 10 business premises were reduced to ashes after a fierce fire broke out at the Limuru Town bus park in Kiambu County on Thursday morning.

The fire is reported to have originated from one of the hotels as workers prepared to open for business at around 5a.m.

Witnesses say efforts to contain the fire were hampered by strong winds and the closeness of the business premises, with the firefighters arriving at the scene late. It took time for them to bring the inferno under control.

Meanwhile, authorities are investigating the exact cause of the fire while business owners are counting losses.

“Mashini zote zimechomeka, nyama zimechomeka, kila kitu back to zero. Na siku hizi moto imekuwa mingi sana, almost kila siku kuna mahali kunachomeka na watu wakichomekewa wanaisha. Naomba serikali itenge funds mtu akichomekewa, kama ni emergency funds, watengeneze iekwe kiasi wana supportiwa kidogo ndiyo waweze kuinua biashara zao na waweze kurudi kwa kazi,” a victim, Francis Ndung’u, said.

Another victim, Dorcas Wanjiru, added, “Mimi nilitoka saa kumi nikakuta moshi imejaa. Nikaita watu wa kuzima moto. Kwa upande ya kwetu kumechomeka mabutchery na hoteli."