Bungoma resident s salvaging property from the Bungoma Sub County Education office after the County education audit office was completly burned destroying all documents and files. [PHOTOS | Protus Simiyu| West Fm]

The Bungoma County education audit office was destroyed in a massive fire which broke out at the Kilimo Café which borders it on Wednesday evening. 

The timber building which is claimed to have been constructed in 1948, housed the audit office and café which was used by the government officials and staff at the Bungoma South District   There were no casualties but few stationary materials were salvaged from the fire, which started around 7 pm.  

The Education Sub County office (L) Agricultre office (R) and the IEBC regional office in front all between the Bungoma Education Audit office buiding that was completely burned.

Preliminary reports from the eyewitnesses who had gathered at the scene suggest that the fire started from the kitchen as githeri (mixture of maize and beans) is usually left overnight to cook.

As soon as the fire broke out, fire fighters from Bungoma Municipal Council arrived at the scene, but they were unable to contain the fire which had spread to other offices.

Government officials including; the police together with the public joined hands together in saving some of the property from neighboring offices.

Nzoia Sugar Company, H Young Construction Company and Khetia’s Supermarket fire brigade were called to help contain the fire which was spreading fast due to blowing wind.

Ms. Florence Nabwala Lukoosi the Bungoma County Director of Culture said they could not leave the scene until the fire was completely put out as the neighboring offices were in danger too.

“This we can say it is unfortunate, we are just from the peace forum, it was a good day. I think sometimes what ends well must be complimented by a bad thing; it is just an unfortunate incident, “said Florence.

Some of the neighboring offices include: the Bungoma Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) regional office the agriculture office, the Bungoma Sub County Education Office, and the Adult Education office. Both buildings were partly burned.

She also blamed the planning of the district head quarters as it had never been upgraded since the colonial days, something that became an obstacle for the fire fighting men to experience a delay.

However, the fire was finally contained.