Governor Sakaja Unveils Plans to Establish Nairobi Disaster Management Authority

Local News

Nairobi Governor Sakaja Johnson has revealed plans to establish the Nairobi Disaster Management Authority, aimed at strengthening the city’s disaster response and preparedness.

 

Speaking at the pass-out parade of 60 newly trained firefighters at the Kangundo Fire Station, Governor Sakaja emphasized that the authority would operate autonomously to ensure more efficient handling of disaster situations across the county.

 

Once established, this authority will operate independently, significantly improving our ability to manage disasters effectively. We are committed to rolling out this plan soon,”

Sakaja confirmed.

 

The Governor congratulated the new firefighters and announced plans to build three additional fire stations to bolster Nairobi’s fire response capabilities.

 

“We are working on constructing three more fire stations. Currently, we have six, and the addition of three more will make a significant impact,”

Sakaja stressed.

 

Governor Sakaja also reassured the graduates of his administration’s commitment to supporting their efforts, pledging investment in modern firefighting equipment to enhance their efficiency. He urged Nairobi residents to respect and support firefighters, acknowledging the challenges they face in their line of duty.

 

Let us respect their work and treat them with kindness. In some countries, attacking firefighters is a capital offense. Here, they’ve been attacked multiple times, and we will work closely with the police to address this issue,”

he stated.

 

The Governor praised the firefighters for their dedication and bravery, noting that they responded to over 800 fire incidents last year.

 

While others run away from danger, you face it head-on,

he added.

Bram Simiyu, the Chief Officer for Disaster Management, revealed plans to recruit an additional 60 firefighters to strengthen the workforce across Nairobi’s fire stations. He also highlighted the department’s progress in equipping its staff.

 

This year, we’ve acquired firefighting gear and PPEs, a major step forward as we’ve traditionally relied on donations. We assure the public that we will continue doing our best to serve,”

Simiyu said.

During the ceremony, several firefighters were honored for their exceptional service, including Joseph Ogina, a veteran firefighter who has trained over 600 personnel from various counties.

 

Nairobi currently has six fire stations, including the historic Tom Mboya Fire Station, established in 1908, along with others located on Enterprise Road, Kangundo Road, Ruaraka, Gigiri, and Waithaka. Governor Sakaja’s pledge to add three more stations is a crucial step toward enhancing fire safety and disaster response in the city.

 

The Nairobi Disaster Management Authority, once established, will operate similarly to Nairobi Water, functioning as a self-governing entity. The Governor has also expressed plans to establish the Nairobi Green Company, which will be responsible for managing environmental issues. Sakaja’s recent approach to governance has enabled these entities to perform effectively and fund their operations.


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