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"id": 812131,
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"speaker_name": "Sen. Seneta",
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"legal_name": "Mary Yiane Senata",
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"content": "Mr. Speaker, Sir, thank you for giving me the chance to issue this Statement. I rise pursuant to Standing Order 46(2)(a) to issue a Statement on the frequent fire disasters in Gikomba Market and other parts of Nairobi City County. Mr. Speaker, Sir, I take this opportunity to condole with the families that lost their loved ones in the most recent Gikomba fire. I also wish a quick recovery to those that are recuperating, both in hospitals and at home. I stand in solidarity with each and every person who was affected in any way, including those who lost their property in the Gikomba fire and other fires that broke out elsewhere. Mr. Speaker, Sir, as you are aware, Gikomba Market is located at the heart of the capital city of Kenya. It is also one of the largest and most famous markets in the city. The market is mainly known for its trade in second hand clothes and timber, among other precious things. Mr. Speaker, Sir, on 28th June 2018, a fire broke out in the market, killing 15 people and leaving more than 60 people nursing injuries. The fire also destroyed property worth millions of shillings. A day later, another fire razed Korogocho Market in Nairobi, causing loss of property. You may recall that earlier in the year on 27th January 2018, a fire broke out at Kijiji in Langata Constituency, killing five people, destroying property and leaving thousands homeless. Mr. Speaker, Sir, these fire incidents raise more questions than answers. Fire disaster management in the county and in the country appears to me to be more ad hoc and reactive, rather than preventive and deliberate. The County Government of Nairobi is expected to play a leading role in the fire disaster prevention and management activities within the county. However, the manner in which it has handled these disasters has exhibited the existence of major institutional and policy gaps as well as capacity deficiencies. In most cases, response to these fire incidents is slow and poorly coordinated. Mr. Speaker, Sir, Gikomba Market has experienced fire outbreaks every year since 2015. Apart from the many fire incidents in Gikomba Market, Korogocho and Kijiji, which have caused massive loss of property and lives, there have been many other incidents in the recent past. In 2004, there was a fire incident at City Hall itself in the Mayor’s precincts. In January, 2009, there was a fire outbreak at Woolworths Building, which housed Nakumatt Supermarket in down town Nairobi, which claimed 30 lives. In April, 2012, a fire broke out at Kimathi House in Nairobi, consuming the 5th, 6th and 7th floors of the building. In 2011 came the Sinai fire tragedy, where more than 100 people lost their lives. The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposes only. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor, Senate."
}