The Senate has introduced a Bill aimed at streamlining fire and rescue services in Kenya by establishing a Fire and Rescue Service Professionals Board. The legislation, proposed by Wajir Senator Mohammed Abass Sheikh, seeks to regulate training, certification, and licensing while ensuring adherence to industry standards.
The move comes at a critical time as fire disasters continue to be a major challenge in Kenya. A study published in the European Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences on February 16, 2023, revealed that fire incidents account for 20% of the total disasters in the country. Between 2014 and 2022, Nairobi alone recorded 248 fire incidents, with Gikomba Market experiencing 30 of them. Despite Kenya adopting multi-stakeholder disaster management strategies, the study found that community participation remains passive.
The proposed Board will oversee key aspects of fire and rescue operations, including examining, training, registering, and licensing professionals in the sector. It will also advise both the National and County Governments on fire prevention and disaster management policies. Additionally, the Board will collaborate with professional associations, fire brigades, and training institutions to improve industry standards and professional development.
The Board’s headquarters will be in Nairobi, and it will include a chairperson appointed by the Cabinet Secretary responsible for disaster management, Principal Secretaries from relevant ministries, representatives from the Kenya Red Cross Society, the Council of County Governors, the Kenya National Fire Brigades Association, and the Kenya Medical Association. A registrar will also serve as an ex-officio member without voting rights.
Under the Bill, individuals will not be allowed to practice as fire and rescue consultants or operate private fire brigades unless registered with the Board. To qualify, professionals must possess a degree, diploma, or certificate in fire and rescue services from a recognized institution in Kenya or an equivalent qualification from a foreign institution.
The Bill introduces strict penalties for non-compliance. Practicing without proper registration will attract fines ranging from KSh 500,000 to KSh 1 million or a jail term of up to five years. Those found guilty of gross negligence or incompetence in fire and rescue services will also face penalties. Fraudulent registration attempts will result in a fine of up to KSh 500,000 or imprisonment for five years, while unaccredited training institutions falsely claiming recognition by the Board will be fined KSh 2 million or face a five-year jail term.
If enacted, the legislation is expected to professionalize the fire and rescue sector, enhance disaster response, and strengthen fire prevention efforts across Kenya.
