Nairobi — A massive fire broke out on Tuesday night, destroying a large section of Jua Kali market situated along Landhies Road in Nairobi.

The inferno, which began around 6 pm, raged on for hours, despite efforts of firefighters who struggled to control it until past 10 pm.

Traders at the open-air market, known for its metal fabrication businesses, were left helpless as they attempted to salvage whatever they could from their burning kiosks.

The cause of the fire is yet to be determined, but a video shared online illustrates the extensive damage it caused.

County fire extinguishers arrived at the scene and worked tirelessly to extinguish the flames.

The Jua Kali area is renowned for its mass production of household items, including wheelbarrows, kitchen appliances such as jikos (stoves), farm implements like spades and hoes, and storage boxes among others.

While the fire initially started at around 6 pm, it eventually spread to a nearby residential area but no casualties were immediately reported.

Police cordoned off the outbound lane of Landhies Road, causing massive traffic in and out of town. Motorists on Jogoo Road, seeking access to the Central Business District, were advised to utilize alternative routes.

The market shares proximity with Gikomba Market, which has witnessed its fair share of fire incidents over the years, resulting in substantial losses for traders.