Introduction
In recent years, the world has witnessed an alarming surge in natural and human-induced disasters. According to the State of Wildfires 2023–2024 report by Copernicus, wildfires alone accounted for 16% of global carbon emissions, causing hundreds of deaths and catastrophic losses in Chile, the U.S., and parts of Europe. Kenyan urban centers and rural communities also continue to suffer from frequent fire outbreaks, often aggravated by delayed emergency response, inadequate equipment, and a lack of technical expertise.
Nationally, reports by the National Disaster Operations Center (NDOC, 2024) indicate that cities such as Nairobi have recorded over 130 arson-related incidents since early 2024. Markets, schools, and residential buildings remain highly vulnerable, particularly in informal settlements where poor urban planning, limited infrastructure, and insufficient funding hinder the development of structured disaster management plans.
Counties across Kenya face similar challenges in disaster management, including insufficient firefighting personnel and equipment, with many relying on skeletal teams and outdated or donated fire engines. Compounding this issue is the limited training available to responders, as most lack formal fire and rescue skills, leading to inefficiencies during emergencies. Additionally, weak inter-county coordination persists despite disasters often crossing borders, resulting in fragmented response efforts that hinder effective crisis mitigation.
Tharaka Nithi County has experienced its share of fire incidents, particularly in markets and schools. Recognizing these gaps, the County took a proactive step toward resilience by forging a partnership with the Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service (UK). This collaboration established the Fire and Rescue Knowledge Exchange Program, equipping local responders with the skills, tools, and networks needed to mitigate disasters and save lives.
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