The first Kenya Fire Brigade Profession Bill, 2024 has been presented to the National Assembly for processing into law that will revamp fire disaster management services and investigations.
The comprehensive legislative document is before the House Regional Development Committee for review.
The Bill, introduced by the Kenya National Fire Brigades Association (Kenfiba), will if processed, play a pivotal role in professionalizing the fire brigade sector and enhance public safety through a more coordinated emergency response system.
The Committee chaired by Sigor MP Peter Lochakapong, will assess the potential impact of the Bill, with particular focus on its provisions, to establish the Institute of Fire Brigade Professionals (IFBP), a key body that will be responsible for overseeing the training, certification, and professional development of fire brigade personnel in Kenya.
The Committee will also evaluate the feasibility of integrating fire services with police and medical emergency teams and explore how these efforts align with national development goals.
Kenya National Fire Brigades Association chief executive officer, Mr. Bernard Onyango, stated that the Fire Brigade Profession Bill, 2024 aims to create a comprehensive framework that enhances the quality, safety, and coordination of fire services in Kenya.
A central aspect of the Bill is the creation of the IFBP, which if adopted, will be expected to ensure fire brigade personnel are well-trained, ethically grounded, and continuously improve their skills.
"The Bill envisions a modern, professional fire service that works seamlessly with police and medical teams to respond effectively to emergencies and disasters," Mr. Onyango told the Committee.He added that the Bill would ensure Kenya’s fire brigade services operate in alignment with global best practices, drawing insights from fire service models in countries such as the United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada, which have seen significant benefits from professionalizing their fire brigade services, including improved response time, public safety, and enhanced inter-agency collaboration.
Kenya National Fire Brigades Association Secretary General, Francis Omolo Liech, emphasized that the Bill mandates standardized training and certification for all fire brigade personnel.
"It will establish a national curriculum for firefighting and emergency response, ensuring personnel have the necessary skills to handle a range of emergency situations," Mr Liech said.The Institute of Fire Brigade Professionals will also enforce a Code of Conduct for fire brigade personnel, ensuring they adhere to high ethical standards and are held accountable for any misconduct.
A key provision of the Bill is the integration of fire brigade services with police and medical emergency teams, aiming to improve the overall effectiveness of emergency response.
By working together in a coordinated manner, these agencies will be better equipped to tackle disasters, fires, accidents, and other emergencies.
In addition to responding to emergencies, the Bill emphasizes proactive fire prevention. Thus, fire brigade personnel will play a role in public safety campaigns, fire safety education, and building safety protocols to reduce fire-related risks and impact.
