Trans Nzoia County is pushing to have disaster preparedness and emergency response training integrated into the Competency Based Education (CBE) curriculum to help equip learners with life-saving skills.
County Executive Committee Member for Gender, Youth, Sports, Culture and Tourism Eliud Tormoi said embedding the training in schools would ensure learners are prepared to respond to emergencies before professional help arrives.
Speaking during a first aid and emergency response drills competition organized by the Kenya Red Cross Trans Nzoia Branch at Equip College in Kitale, Tormoi observed that emergencies do not give warning.
“CBE needs to entrench emergency response skills in its curriculum at all levels. If we train our young people early, we are building a generation that can respond quickly, assist effectively, and save lives,” Tormoi said.
He emphasized that schools have a key role in building disaster-aware communities and called for continuous training and upskilling of emergency response teams. He also urged responders to adopt modern technologies and equipment used in first aid.
The CECM further called for increased investment in training institutions across the country to strengthen preparedness and response capacity.
County Executive Committee Member for Education and Vocational Training Janerose Muthama echoed the call, saying learners in schools and vocational training centres must be equipped with first aid skills.
“At any moment, a learner may be the first responder before medical teams arrive. That responsibility requires proper training and preparedness,” Muthama said.
The exercise at Equip College focused on fires, road accidents, drowning incidents, and falls with organizers stating they aimed to improve the ability to save lives before victims reach health facilities.
Participants included Cherangany Nursing Home, Crystal Cottage Hospital, Galilee Hospital, St Monica Girls, Legacy School, and Equip College.
Organizers noted the competition is part of a structured programme that progresses from county to regional and national levels to help teams improve emergency response skills.
by Isaiah Nayika
