Kibuye Market Roof Collapses
Panic gripped Kibuye Market in Kisumu on Thursday evening after heavy rains pounded the city, causing sections of the market’s roof to cave in. Several traders sustained minor injuries in the incident, while many others recorded significant property losses as their goods were destroyed.
The collapse occurred in the section where vendors sell spices, tomatoes, vegetables, and other fresh produce. Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic, with shoppers and traders scrambling to escape falling debris and rushing through the rain to seek safety. Stalls that had been filled with food items were left in ruins, with water and broken roofing materials scattered across the ground.
“I was attending to a customer when the roof above us suddenly gave way. People screamed and ran in all directions. It was terrifying,” said one trader, who lost most of her stock to the downpour.
Kisumu City Manager quickly moved to reassure the public, urging those affected to remain calm as emergency teams assessed the damage. He confirmed that county officials had already dispatched engineers to the site to investigate the cause of the collapse and ensure that the market remains safe for thousands of daily users.
However, the incident has reignited concerns about the structural quality of public markets in Kisumu. Residents questioned how ordinary rainfall could bring down roofing in such a vital commercial hub. “If normal rains can cause this kind of damage, what does that say about the quality of work being done here?” one resident asked.
Kibuye Market is recognized as one of the largest open-air markets in East Africa, attracting thousands of traders and shoppers every day from Kisumu and neighboring counties. The market serves as a major source of livelihood for small-scale traders, many of whom rely solely on their daily sales to feed their families. For those affected, the collapse has not only caused physical injuries but also heavy financial losses.
Traders are now calling on the Kisumu County Government to prioritize safety upgrades and proper maintenance at Kibuye Market. They argue that poor construction and lack of timely inspections continue to put lives and livelihoods at risk.
As cleanup and repairs begin, many hope that the tragedy will serve as a wake-up call for authorities to invest in durable infrastructure that can withstand harsh weather and guarantee the safety of both traders and shoppers.
Kibuye Market Roof Collapses
