Evaluation of fire disaster preparedness at Kiambu County Fire and Rescue Services

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.