Abstract:
Background: Fire disaster preparedness remains a critical public safety concern in Kenya, with
many counties exhibiting inadequate capacity to prevent, respond to, and mitigate fire-related
emergencies. In Kiambu County, fire response systems are often reactive rather than
preventive, constrained by insufficient staffing, limited training opportunities, inadequate
firefighting equipment, and weak enforcement of safety regulations. These gaps significantly
undermine operational effectiveness, heighten vulnerability to fire risks, and compromise the
safety of communities, infrastructure, and economic assets. A systematic assessment of fire
preparedness is therefore essential to inform evidence-based improvements and strengthen
institutional capacity.
Specific Objectives: The study sought to: (i) assess the staffing levels and training among fire
personnel in Kiambu County; (ii) evaluate the availability, functionality, and adequacy of
firefighting equipment and infrastructure; and (iii) examine awareness and enforcement of fire
safety policies within the county fire service.
Methods: The study adopted a concurrent mixed-methods design integrating quantitative and
qualitative approaches. The target population comprised fire service personnel across five
stations Kiambu, Thika, Ruiru, Kikuyu, and Limuru. A sample of 109 participants was selected
through stratified random sampling, while key informants, including station commanders and
county disaster management officers, were purposively sampled. Data were collected using
structured questionnaires, observation checklists, and key informant interview guides.
Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics (frequencies, percentages) and
inferential analysis (chi-square tests), whereas qualitative data were subjected to thematic
analysis.
Findings: The socio-demographic profile showed that 78.4% of respondents were male and
21.6% female, with most (around 68%) aged between 25–45 years. Although a majority had
technical or vocational education, only 42% had formal firefighting certification. Objective 1:
Staffing levels were critically low, with only about one-third of stations meeting minimum
staffing requirements recommended under NFPA 1710. Approximately 70% of respondents
reported inconsistent or insufficient training. Objective 2: Significant equipment gaps were
observed; 60% noted recurring breakdowns of fire engines, 55% cited unreliable water sources
and poorly functioning hydrants, and only 25% of stations possessed fully functional PPEs.
Objective 3: Awareness and enforcement of fire safety policies were limited, with 72% of
personnel unfamiliar with existing county fire safety guidelines.
Conclusion: The study concludes that Kiambu County Fire and Rescue Services face
substantial preparedness challenges driven by inadequate staffing, insufficient and irregular
training, limited and poorly maintained equipment, and weak dissemination and enforcement
of fire safety policies. These systemic constraints significantly hinder the county’s ability to
respond effectively to fire emergencies.
Recommendations: The study recommends urgent recruitment of additional personnel and
institutionalization of continuous, certified training programs; increased investment in modern
firefighting equipment and maintenance systems; and enhanced enforcement of fire safety
policies through regular inspections, stakeholder awareness campaigns, and strengthened inter
agency coordination mechanisms.