Over 30 business people in Moi’s Bridge township in Soy Constituency, Uasin Gishu County are counting losses worth millions of shillings following a dawn inferno that brought down their business premises.
It is suspected that the fire could have been caused by gas cylinder explosion. However, authorities have not confirmed the cause.
A team from the Kenya Power arrived at the area and disconnected electricity to avert further losses.
Speaking to Uasin Gishu News, Bob Rono, businessman in the fast growing urban area said the fire spread out very fast that they could not salvage anything.
“The premises housed different businesses and it was fierce that the owners lost everything. We really empathise with them,” Rono said.
He further called on Governor Jonathan Bii’s administration to set up a fire station at Moi’s Bridge town.
“I called Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya at 5:00am and his team responded in good time. We appreciate him. Our fire engines from Eldoret delayed because of distance and that is why we are asking Governor Chelilim to consider having a fire station here,” he appealed.
Timothy Mwangi, an electronics and electricals trader said the tragedy is a big blow to them.
“This is a big blow to me and my fellow traders. I’ve lost everything I bought using a loan. How will I repay it?” Mwangi asked.
Moi’s Bridge to get a fire station – Governor Bii
Governor Bii empathised with the traders and promised to establish a fire substation as part of ongoing plan to upgrade the township to a municipality.
“I extend my deepest sympathies to the traders who lost their businesses in this morning’s devastating fire at Moi’s Bridge town. As we continue working towards upgrading Moi’s Bridge to a municipality, establishing a fire substation will be a top priority to enhance our emergency response and protect the growing businesses in the region,” Bii posted on his Facebook page.
Soy Constituency Member of Parliament, David Kiplagat also empathised with the traders and called on Uasin Gishu County fire department to be more pro-active in emergency response.
“We still encourage the fire extinguishers to do all it takes to save lives and properties. We thank the members of the public for the team work they have shown since dawn,” Kiplagat said.
Investigations to establish the exact cause of fire have been launched.
[…] follows a recent fire incident at Moi’s Bridge Township that left at least 30 traders counting losses running into millions of […]