Traders in the fast-growing busy Ilbisil town, Kajiado Central, have been left counting losses after a fire razed down their business premises on Sunday night.
At least thirty businesses were reduced to ashes in the 10:00 pm inferno believed to have been caused by an electric fault.
According to the devastated traders, the fire was too fierce and no property was salvaged.
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"We are sad that we have lost all our business ware. We suspect the fire was caused by an electric fault because the power kept fluctuating for the better part of the day. As small-scale traders, this is a big blow to us. With these tough economic times, we are hard hit financially and we cannot afford to restore our business," Alex Setua, a victim said.
The traders further blame the county government emergency department for laxity in responding to emergencies.
"We called the fire department immediately but it is disheartening that they did not turn up at all. We watched the fire gut down our business to ashes without access to any help," Ann Mutua said.
The victims said they had no access to water to help put off the fire because of the drought that continues to ravage the county.
Traders plead for support
The traders are now appealing to the county government to help them revive their businesses.
Hardware, electronic shops, cafes, agro vets, mini supermarkets, and liquor businesses were among stalls that were reduced to ashes.
