Kakuma (Kenya) : a fire ravages a trading center, causes over 20 million shillings in losses

SOS Médias Burundi

Kakuma, November 7, 2026 — A violent fire reduced a trading center in the Kakuma refugee camp in northwestern Kenya to ashes on Friday. Approximately thirty shops and stalls were completely destroyed. Material losses are estimated at over 20 million Kenyan shillings. The cause of the fire remains unknown, and affected traders fear they will not receive any compensation.

The fire broke out in Kakuma III, Zone 1, in an area primarily inhabited by Somali refugees.

According to initial reports, around thirty shops and stalls, mostly built of wood and planks, were destroyed by the flames. Several homes in blocks 14 and 15, near the market, were also affected.

The slow response of the firefighters reportedly significantly reduced the chances of saving the businesses and their merchandise. The losses were further compounded by looting. Individuals who were initially involved in firefighting efforts allegedly took advantage of the confusion to steal goods that had survived the blaze.

Causes still unknown

The exact circumstances surrounding the fire are still under investigation. Several theories are circulating within the community.

Some sources suggest the explosion of a combustible gas cylinder. Others point to the frequent power outages on the Kenya Power grid, the Kenyan company responsible for the transmission, distribution, and supply of electricity to consumers. According to these sources, the power outages could have contributed to the outbreak or spread of the fire.

However, none of these hypotheses have been officially confirmed. Residents are demanding a thorough investigation to establish the true causes of the disaster.

Refugee traders fear being left behind

Beyond the material losses, the identification of victims and the prospects for compensation are causing serious concern.

The trading center served both refugee traders and Kenyan nationals from the host community. While the local administration has begun to register the Kenyan victims, the refugee traders fear that their losses will not be taken into account.

They are asking the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to advocate for their interests and to plead with the authorities to ensure that their destroyed businesses and lost goods are also considered.

For many of these shopkeepers, the small businesses they had developed were their main source of income. The destruction of their shops now jeopardizes their ability to provide for their families.

Repeated fires alarm refugees

This latest disaster comes amid a series of fires in the Kakuma camp. According to several refugees, more than four fires have broken out since the beginning of the year. Some have even been classified as arson by the police.

Faced with this recurring disaster, residents are demanding thorough investigations to establish the circumstances of each fire, identify those responsible, and bring them to justice.

They are also calling for the strengthening of prevention measures and the response capabilities of emergency services so that they can act quickly in the event of another fire.

A hard-hit economic sector

The disaster has struck a sector essential to the economic life of Kakuma. The camp hosts more than 200,000 refugees, including over 6,000 Burundians. Trade is among the main income-generating activities for both refugees and members of the host community.

The destruction of dozens of shops and stalls represents not only a loss of goods and infrastructure, but also a direct threat to the livelihoods of many families and further weakens the small traders who depend on these activities for their survival.

While awaiting the results of any investigations and decisions regarding assistance for the victims, the affected traders remain in limbo. For many, the priority now is finding ways to resume their businesses and rebuild what they have lost.

……

Refugees helplessly watch as a fire ravages several businesses in the Kakuma camp in northwestern Kenya (DR/SOS Médias Burundi)