Abdirahman Haji
Garissa, Kenya.
A fierce mid-morning fire on Monday razed the bustling Hagadera Market in the Dadaab refugee complex, Garissa County, destroying dozens of shops and leaving traders counting heavy losses.
The blaze, which broke out around 11:40 a.m., tore through at least 50 structures—including clothing stalls, pharmacies, and restaurants—before it was contained by the Kenya Red Cross and county emergency teams in the afternoon. Fortunately, no fatalities or serious injuries were reported.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic as thick black smoke billowed across the refugee camp, home to over 200,000 Somali refugees and asylum seekers.
“It started in one of the clothing stalls, and before anyone could react, the flames spread from shop to shop,” said Amina Hassan, a 42-year-old vendor who lost her entire stock.
The inferno gutted a major section of the market that serves as a vital commercial hub for refugees and host community members alike. Preliminary assessments suggest property losses worth millions of shillings.
County disaster officials said investigations were underway to determine the cause, with early indications pointing to an electrical fault or unattended cooking fire.
This marks the sixth major fire at Hagadera Market in recent years, renewing calls for better fire preparedness, improved planning, and investment in fireproof stalls.
Traders assess the ruins after a massive blaze hits Hagadera Market in Dadaab.
Emergency response teams led by the Kenya Red Cross and UNHCR deployed water tankers and volunteers to douse the flames and assist affected traders. Humanitarian agencies have since rolled out relief efforts including emergency cash transfers, temporary shelter, and psychosocial support.
“We’re conducting a full damage assessment and prioritizing vulnerable families for immediate assistance,” said a Kenya Red Cross spokesperson.
As dusk settled over the smoldering ruins, traders sifted through debris, salvaging what little they could. Despite the devastation, many voiced determinations to rebuild once again.
“We’ve rebuilt before, but enough is enough. We need real investment in safer, more durable market structures. This isn’t just about business—it’s about survival,” said Hassan.
The fire adds to the economic strain already facing Dadaab’s residents, amid prolonged drought and limited income opportunities. Local leaders have pledged support for reconstruction, but for now, the once vibrant heart of Hagadera lies in ashes, its traders left to pick up the pieces.