The Kiambu Fire and Rescue Training Centre has conducted comprehensive joint disaster response drills focusing on construction collapses, road accident responses, and technical rescues including pit latrine collapses, showcasing enhanced emergency preparedness capabilities.
The drill exercise brought together a multi-agency team comprising personnel from the Kenya Police, Prisons Department, Kenya Red Cross, and the National Disaster Management Unit, demonstrating coordinated disaster response protocols.
The exercise was conducted by Kiambu and Nairobi Fire Brigades, whose teams have undergone a rigorous year-long Urban Search and Rescue training programme sponsored by the Polish Centre for International Aid.
The training was designed to enhance response capacity and build confidence in handling various emergency situations.
The partnership between the Polish Centre for International Aid and Kiambu County dates back to 2015, representing a long-standing collaboration in emergency response capacity building.
The Chief Officer for Kiambu County Fire Brigade, Samuel Kahura, praised the training programme and its impact on disaster preparedness in the region.
“It was a very successful event focused on urban search and rescue in partnership with the County Government of Kiambu, our fire brigade, and the Polish Centre for International Aid. For the past year, we have conducted such training in both Kiambu and Nairobi to prepare our teams for construction collapses and building emergencies,” he said.
He noted that the training has addressed previous gaps in disaster response capabilities, with teams now better equipped to handle various emergency scenarios.
“Previously, our teams faced challenges during disasters, but this comprehensive training has equipped them holistically. The Polish International Centre has also donated state-of-the-art fire and rescue equipment that enhances our response capabilities,” he added.
Gideon Owiti, an urban search and rescue trainee, highlighted the practical benefits of the training programme in improving emergency response effectiveness.
“We have undergone extensive training on responding to various traffic incidents and technical rescues, including pit latrine collapses. This training has been invaluable because in the past, we experienced struggles and confusion during emergency situations, but now we can provide effective support in technical rescue scenarios,” he said.
Maciej Garczyński, an instructor from the Polish Centre for International Aid, emphasised the programme’s focus on skills development and team cooperation.
“We are conducting workshops and training for the teams in order to help citizens during disasters and develop both individual skills and team cooperation. What we have accomplished from last year to this year has made a significant difference in the team’s capabilities and readiness,” he said.
The training programme has equipped rescue teams with modern techniques and equipment for handling complex emergency scenarios, including real-life simulations conducted at the training grounds to ensure practical preparedness.
Arthur Macharia, Officer in Charge of the National Disaster Management Unit, commended the collaborative approach to disaster preparedness.
“This multi-agency training exercise demonstrates our commitment to coordinated disaster response. The skills and equipment acquired through this partnership will significantly improve our ability to save lives during emergencies,” he said.
The joint drills demonstrate the importance of multi-agency collaboration in emergency response and the value of international partnerships in building local disaster management capacity.
By Michelle Njeri
