Nairobi: At least 15 people were killed and dozens were injured in a fire at Kenya's one of the largest open air market in the early hours of Thursday.

According to reports the fire broke out 2.30 a.m. at Gikomba, located in the downtown area of the capital, and destroyed several properties. More than 50 people were injured.

Fire incidents are frequent in Gikomba, the BBC reported, leading to speculation about possible arson attacks.

However, the cause of the current fire was not known. Some of the victims were burned while others inhaled poisonous fumes as they tried to salvage their property.