Jua kali traders lose Sh13m in frequent fires

The workshop owners, most of them welders and carpenters, said this was the fourth incident and they had lost Sh13 million. John Adero, the chairman of the traders' association, said they had lost equipment and machines. "We don't know what caused PHOTO:COURTESY

Jua Kali artisans at Kitale's Line Moja have complained about frequent fires. Over the weekend, a fire destroyed over 20 workshops and food kiosks.

The workshop owners, most of them welders and carpenters, said this was the fourth incident and they had lost Sh13 million. John Adero, the chairman of the traders' association, said they had lost equipment and machines.

"We don't know what caused the fire but we were unable to salvage anything because it happened during the night," he said.

 Saboti MP David Lazaro and area Woman Representative Janet Nangabo visited the area and asked police to investigate the matter. They donated 40 iron sheets to help the artisans rebuild their business premises.