A late-night inferno tore through Makimeny Market in Chepalungu Sub-County, Bomet County, on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, reducing more than 50 business premises to ashes and leaving traders counting heavy losses.
The fire broke out around 8:00 p.m., swiftly spreading through rows of wooden structures and destroying property of unknown value. According to a report from Makimeny Police Post, the cause of the blaze remains unknown, with detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) now probing the incident.
“The fire raged over 50 shops, and the cause of the fire is yet to be established,” the police report stated.
Slow Response and Access Challenges
Residents, police officers, and local administrators were the first to respond but were quickly overwhelmed by the intensity of the flames. A Bomet County fire engine reportedly arrived about an hour later, managing to contain the blaze before it spread to adjacent shops. Fortunately, no casualties were reported.
Makimeny Location Chief Francis Mwei cited poor road infrastructure as a major obstacle that hindered timely response efforts.
“The fire engines struggled to reach the scene because most of our town roads are in bad shape,” he said.
He urged the County Government of Bomet to improve road networks and ensure proper town planning, including emergency corridors between buildings to prevent future disasters.
County Response and Call for Solidarity
Bomet Governor Hillary Barchok described the tragedy as a major setback for the local business community, estimating the losses at millions of shillings.
“It is a big blow to the traders and their families. I extend my heartfelt sympathies to the Makimeny business community whose source of livelihood has been destroyed,” he said.
The governor pledged his administration’s support in rebuilding the market and called on well-wishers to assist affected traders in recovering from the disaster.
“Makimeny shall rise again,” Barchok affirmed.
Investigation Underway
The DCI has taken over the case to determine the origin of the fire and assess the extent of destruction. Authorities have promised to release a comprehensive report once investigations are complete.
