A raging fire tore through Jakobong Garage in Bondo town, reducing vehicles, spare parts, and business premises to ashes and causing property losses estimated in the millions of Kenyan shillings. The inferno has left traders devastated and sparked outrage over the county’s disaster preparedness.
Eyewitnesses described chaotic scenes as flames engulfed the popular garage, a key hub for mechanics and motorists in the lakeside town. The cause of the fire remains unknown, with investigations underway by local authorities. No casualties have been reported, but the economic impact on small-scale traders—who rely on the garage for their daily livelihoods—is severe.
A video doing rounds on social media shows a shirtless man braving the flames to access important documents in one of the adjacent shanties. The sorrowful scene encompassed helpless traders watching from a distance hands clasped over their heads.
The incident has drawn sharp criticism of the fire response efforts. One eyewitness, speaking on condition of anonymity, condemned the handling of the crisis:
“I strongly condemn the unfortunate fire incident at Bondo Market that destroyed traders’ livelihoods. It is deeply disturbing that the fire response team arrived late, and even more shocking that the fire Bowser came without sufficient water. This points to gross unpreparedness and negligence. I hold the Bondo leadership responsible for failing to put in place effective disaster response measures to protect our people and their businesses. Our traders deserve safety, accountability, and leadership that works—not excuses after losses have occurred.”
The statement highlights longstanding concerns about emergency services in Siaya County, where delayed responses and inadequate equipment have been recurring complaints during fire outbreaks.
Local leaders have promised swift action, including support for affected traders and a probe into the response failures. Residents are calling for urgent upgrades to fire stations, including reliable water supply in fire engines and faster deployment protocols.
As Bondo town reels from the destruction, this latest blaze serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by informal sector businesses in rural Kenya. Authorities urge the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities that could prevent future tragedies.
