Juakali artisans and traders at Kamas area in Kisumu central business district are counting heavy losses after a fire broke out at the centre and destroyed property of unknown value.

According to the Kamas traders, the inferno is suspected to have been caused by an electric fault left a trail of destruction of property whose value is yet to be established despite the fire department’s quick response to avert total damage and contain the fire from quickly spreading and causing total destruction to the neighbouring business premises.

Chairman of Kamas traders Mark Odero who heads the market’s section known as Uganda disclosed that the fire started from the market’s Zambia section before spreading to other sections but confirmed that no fatalities or casualties were reported due to the quick response by the fire department.

He preliminary reports indicated the power outage experienced at the premises might have contributed to the chain of events that led to the fire outbreak which occurred moments after the power supply was restored.

Odiero, however, hailed the fire department for their quick response that he asserted helped avert a possible annihilation of the entire business centre.

• A Tell Media / KNA report / By Milton Onyango