This afternoon, Nairobi Governor H.E. Sakaja Johnson presided over the pass-out of 3rd cohort of Nairobi City County fire fighters at the Kangundo Road Training School in Embakasi West Sub-County.
The new recruits finished a rigorous six months training course and will be immediately absorbed in the county’s Disaster Management sector.
Speaking at the parade, Governor Sakaja awarded and commended the Fire Services Department Personnel for their excellent training and the active development of their specialized teams, which have been demonstrating exceptional rescue techniques and efficiency in disaster management and incidents rescue within the city.
“I am very proud of our firefighters and the whole disaster management sector. Your bravely, dedication and selflessness is beyond praise.
When others run away from danger, you run towards it. For the last one year, you have responded to more than 800 incidences.
It’s not an easy job. Your record has earned the respect and gratitude from the people of Nairobi.” Sakaja noted.
While celebrating the newly qualified fire fighters, the governor urged them to serve the people of Nairobi diligently.
“Today I join your families and friends in congratulating you. Your work is not for the faint hearted.
We count on you to protect our properties and our lives. We ask you to risk your lives in our defence.
That’s why we prepare you thoroughly. You are now ready to serve and protect. We will go out with you.
There can’t be an order, dignity, hope and opportunities for all without protecting people’s lives.” Governor Sakaja added.
During the event, Governor Sakaja urged Nairobians to respect and be kind to fire fighters. “Fire fighters risks their lives to help us.
There is no greater height of absurdity than to stone those who are coming to help you.
Touching, blocking and inconveniencing fire fighters will be a capital offence.
We will work with the police on that. Let’s be kind to them. Let’s protect public officers while on duty.” Sakaja urged.
Governor Sakaja also outlined the plans to support disaster management sector to ensure Nairobi residents are served well.
“We are investing in new fire stations to takes services nearer to the people. We are almost completing Gikomba Fire Station.
In Kangemi, we will be ground breaking for a new fire station soon and we are looking for land in Kibra to build another one.
Disaster management is a priority in my administration and we will put more resources in protecting properties and people from fire and welfare of our firefighters.
For the first time the county has acquired Personal Protection Equipments for our fire fighters.
The county was relying on donation of PPEs. “Promotion of our fire fighters will also follow the right criteria in all levels. We will fix grading issues. I assure you, there will be no despondency.” Governor assured.
Governor revealed plans to reorganise disaster management sector into three directorates.
“We have established plans to have Fire Rescue, Disaster Risk Reduction and Training, and Innovation directorates to better protect lives of the people. We are making the facility a centre of excellence.
Nairobi County has become a benchmark for other counties and institutions.
We will invest in more high tech equipment to be able to handle incidences better.” Sakaja revealed.
The county is also planning to establish a full scale Nairobi Disaster Management Directorate that will be self autonomous just like the Nairobi City Water & Sewerage Company.
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