For years, residents of Githunguri town have watched helplessly as fires consumed property and businesses without a nearby fire station to respond in time.
This will soon change after the construction of the long-awaited Githunguri Fire Station which is now 90 percent complete and edging closer to the finish line, bringing renewed hope to residents who have waited nearly a decade for improved safety.
The station, located in the Central Business District, had stalled since 2018 due to logistical and funding challenges.
Its revival under Governor Kimani Wamatangi’s administration is now being hailed as a timely and much-needed intervention.
“I remember a fire that broke out at my uncle’s butchery in 2021. We called for help, but by the time a fire truck arrived from Ruiru, everything was gone,” recalls Mary Wanjiru, a local shopkeeper. “Knowing that we’ll soon have our own fire station here brings peace of mind.”
Earlier this week, the County Service Delivery Unit, led by Principal ICT Officer Kenneth Karanja, conducted a site inspection and confirmed that the structure is in its final phase. Most of the heavy construction is done; roofing, wall finishes, tiling, compound paving, and lighting are all in place.
Speaking at the site, Karanja praised the contractor’s pace and commitment. “This is no longer just a structure, it’s a lifeline. Githunguri deserves a timely emergency response, and this station is going to deliver that.”
The building is on its last stages before completion thus the contractor is working on the final touches as county officials walk through the newly tiled compound. Inside, clean rooms with freshly painted walls and installed lights are nearly ready for use.
For the local community, the fire station is more than just a building; it’s a symbol of preparedness and a promise of faster emergency services. Residents say it also signals that their concerns are being heard at the county level.
The fire station is expected to serve not just Githunguri town but also nearby villages and shopping centers, helping cut down response time in emergencies.
“I’m just happy that finally, something is being done for us,” says John Kamau, a boda boda rider. “We lose so much in fires, and now at least we have a fighting chance.”
No official launch date has been announced, but county officials have assured the public that it will be operational soon.
By Laura Mundeye
