Nairobi’s Toi Market Engulfed by Massive Fire; Traders Devastated as Property of Unknown Value is Destroyed

Huge fire engulfs Toi Market in Kibra, Nairobi on March 16, 2026. Schools evacuated and property destroyed as traders call for better fire safety.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 16, 2026, 4:16 AM EDT

Source: The information in this article was sourced from TUKO.co.ke

Panic and Destruction in Kibra’s Economic Hub

A Monday morning of chaos unfolded in Nairobi’s Kibra area as a massive fire broke out at Toi Market, one of the city's largest centers for second-hand clothing and fresh produce. Thick black smoke was seen billowing across the skyline as the flames quickly spread through the densely packed wooden and iron-sheet stalls. The fire, which began in the early hours of March 16, caused immediate panic among hundreds of traders who arrived to find their livelihoods being consumed by the blaze. While the exact financial toll is yet to be determined, witnesses reported that a significant section of the market has been reduced to ash.

Emergency Evacuation of Toi Primary School

The proximity of the fire to educational institutions raised immediate safety concerns for local families. Kibra Member of Parliament Peter Orero confirmed that pupils at the neighboring Toi Primary School were safely evacuated and sent home as a precautionary measure. While the lawmaker assured parents that the school buildings themselves remained under no immediate threat, the decision to close the institution was made to prioritize child safety and allow emergency responders unhindered access to the scene. Local residents assisted in the evacuation, ensuring that the heavy smoke did not lead to respiratory distress among the students.

Response Efforts and Containment

Firefighting teams from the Nairobi County government, supported by local youth and security officers, worked for several hours to contain the inferno. MP Peter Orero praised the swift action of the responders, noting that their intervention prevented the flames from leaping into nearby residential homes. By midday, the fire had been largely contained, though cooling operations continued to prevent reignition among the charred remains of the stalls. The lawmaker urged the public to stay away from the cordoned-off area to allow investigators to begin their work and for emergency teams to clear the debris.