NGPU March 1, 2024

Nakuru County to expand Fire and Rescue Services across all the Sub-Counties by 2027

Written by James Munyua

Nakuru County will have well equipped Fire Stations and Rescues Centers in all 11 Sub-Counties by 2027, the County Executive County Executive for Public Service, Devolution, Citizen Engagement, Distaster Management Humanitarian Assistance Jacqueline Osoro has said.

This will help the County have adequate capacity to respond effectively to emergencies, including fires, floods, and accidents, particularly along the busy Nairobi-Nakuru-Busia northern corridor.

The CECM was speaking during the graduation of first cohort of 21 Firefighters drawn from Nakuru City, Naivasha and Molo Sub-Counties Fire Stations at the Agriculture Training Center, Soilo

The trainee have completed a rigorous two-week training program, a partnership between Nakuru County trainers and the Kenya Defense Forces (KDF).

“This training focused on various Disaster Reponse areas that includes Fire Command Systems, Emergency Medical Care, Structural Fire Fighting and Counter Terrorism response,” Osoro said.

She added that other personal skills such as inculcation of Discipline and team work to the officer as well as guidance and counseling sessions to maintain the well being of the fire fighters mental health have also been tackled.

“Use this skills that you have acquired to tackle various disasters in the county and outside the county as maybe requested. We promise to look into issue affecting the officers so that we can enhance their work,” she noted.

On her part Chief Officer for Disaster Management and Humanitarian Assistance Alice Abuki said Governor Susan Kihika has elevated the Disaster Management unit since she took over the leadership of the County.

She added that the County is in the process of acquiring more modern equipments to respond to various disasters as outlined in the the County Integrated Development Plan (CIDP) launched by Governor Kihika on March 28.

The County Chief Fire Officer Julius Yator called on the Department to look at the welfare of the firefighters, since they work under risky conditions and are faced by life threatening challenges in their line of duty.

“I thank Governor Susan Kihika for this training, it has equipped this officers with necessary skills to handle any incidences. We however urge for more trainings to sharpen their skills so that they can impart the same to others,” he said.

He further requested for Counselling sessions for the officer to make sure that their Mental Health issues are adequately addressed as they undertake this noble job.

The firefighters showcased their skills with a coordinated fire drill to demonstrate their capability in handling fire incidences.

Also present were the Chief Officers for Disaster Management and Humanitarian Assistance Alice Abuki, Disaster Management Officer John Muchai,
Geoffrey Kioko, Director Disaster Management and Humanitarian Assistance, Chief Fire Officer Julius Yator, Assistance Fire Officers Patrick Kabue among other Department’s and County officials