The County Assembly Sectoral Committee on Roads, Transport and Energy today held an engagement with the Municipal Manager of Kitengela and officers from the Fire Department to assess the status of fire and emergency response services in the rapidly growing cosmopolitan town.
During the meeting, the Municipal Manager informed the Committee that despite existing challenges, the municipality has been responding to fire and flooding emergencies within the town and currently operates one functional fire engine.
However, the Committee noted several operational concerns affecting service delivery. These include the transfer of fire officers to other departments without formal procedures, which has significantly reduced the workforce at the fire station from an initial 18 officers to the current 7.
Members also emphasized the urgent need for capacity building and specialized training to strengthen the preparedness of the remaining personnel.
The Committee further observed that although emergency response services have been devolved to municipalities, a substantial portion of the resources remains centralized at the departmental level, posing challenges to effective operations within the municipality.
Additionally, officers raised concerns over unpaid allowances despite working long hours under demanding and hazardous conditions. The Committee also noted the lack of adequate protective gear necessary for officers to safely and effectively carry out their duties.
The Committee heads to Loitoktok tomorrow.
By Anthony Solly
