Fire at Talai Center Near Moi University Devastates Traders, Sparks Criticism Over Lack of Fire Services
This is the second fire incident in the area, following a previous blaze that destroyed the Reliance Supermarket.

By Jeff Kirui
Traders in the Moi University area within Kesses Constituency are counting their losses after a major fire broke out last night, destroying their property at Talai Center’s kiosk shops.
Firefighters from Eldoret, approximately 30 kilometers away, arrived at the scene, but valuable items had already been consumed by the flames. The affected kiosks included clothing shops and general merchandise stores.
Mark Too, a resident of Talai Center, alongside other locals, blamed Moi University for not having a fire department despite the kiosks being adjacent to the university’s main gate. An ambulance arrived hours later to transport a trader who had fainted during the incident.
Residents also criticized the university for the poor road conditions in the area, noting that many students live in this inaccessible region.
Trader Sammy Odiera lamented the strained relationship between university officials and local residents, a sentiment echoed by Kamau Munywa.
This is the second fire incident in the area, following a previous blaze that destroyed the Reliance Supermarket.