Nairobi firefighters decry low pay, poor working conditions
Speaking during a consultative meeting with Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, the firefighters highlighted how the outdated equipment and logistical challenges exacerbate the situation to handle emergencies faster.
Nairobi firefighters have decried poor working conditions, citing inadequate resources, low pay, and lack of protective equipment, which hinder their ability to respond effectively to emergencies.
The firefighters, who often face hostility from the public over delayed responses, blamed the delays on systemic challenges beyond their control.
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Speaking during a consultative meeting with Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, the firefighters highlighted how the outdated equipment and logistical challenges exacerbate the situation to handle emergencies faster.
“Most of the equipment we use is obsolete, and on many occasions, we are forced to go to Gigiri for water in order to respond to an emergency on Ngong’ Road. When we arrive at the scene late, we sometimes face the wrath of residents who accuse us of taking too long to respond,” Eric Omondi, a firefighter said.
They lamented their low pay of Sh15,000, saying it is inadequate to meet their needs.
“Most of us here have given up because we earn Sh15,000 without any risk allowances. Depending on such a salary while trying to pay rent and school fees does not make sense. We are only holding onto the job because we have no other option,” he said.
Another firefighter reiterated that they were promised a risk allowance, which they are yet to receive. He noted that initially, they were informed it would be implemented in July, but the county government recently claimed there are no funds for it.
Senator Sifuna expressed shock at the poor conditions, revealing that none of the boreholes at the city’s six fire stations are operational, forcing crews to make long trips to refill water tanks.
“Our six fire stations are in very bad shape, with none of the boreholes functioning. A crew fighting a fire in Kibra would have to drive all the way to Gigiri to refill,” Sifuna said.
He added that the dormitories at Tom Mboya Fire Station are overcrowded and infested with bedbugs, while the communication system is non-functional.
“Listening to these concerns, I am even embarrassed. It is a systemic problem, and it has to be addressed so that we have a motivated workforce and they are not blamed for lateness or inefficiencies in fighting fires,” Sifuna said, pledging to raise the issues with Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja.
“This is not a war with the governor. We want him to understand that the situation is unacceptable, and he has to pull up his socks,” he added.
The meeting follows tragic fire incidents which have rocked the county destroying properties worth millions and claiming lives.
On August 3, 2024, traders at Toi Market criticised the fire department’s delayed response, attributing the loss to a lack of timely assistance.
Governor Sakaja, however, recently announced plans to enhance the county’s disaster response capabilities with the establishment of the Nairobi Disaster Management Authority.
Speaking during the pass-out parade of 60 newly trained firefighters at Kangundo Fire Station, Sakaja said the authority would operate autonomously to improve disaster preparedness and response across the city.
“Once established, this authority will operate independently, significantly improving our ability to manage disasters effectively. We are committed to rolling out this plan soon,” Sakaja said.
He also outlined plans to build three additional fire stations to complement the existing six, including the historic Tom Mboya Fire Station.
“Currently, we have six fire stations. The addition of three more will make a significant impact,” he said.
The governor pledged to invest in modern firefighting equipment, including personal protective gear and urged Nairobi residents to support firefighters.
“Let us respect their work and treat them with kindness. In some countries, attacking firefighters is a capital offence. Here, they’ve been attacked multiple times, and we will work closely with the police to address this issue,” Sakaja said.
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