| dc.description.abstract | The study investigated the institutional capacity and state of preparedness of Nairobi City Council to suppress fire disasters in the city. The study also focused on the Councils current preparedness against what ought to be focusing on training, tools, equipment, machines, communication gadgets and budgets. The study was guided by three research objectives, namely:
(i) To establish factors which inform the level of response towards fire outbreaks.
(ii) To establish how city development has impacted on City Council of Nairobi fire services to the public
(iii) To find out the working conditions of City Fire service personnel.
The study used qualitative and quantitative research methods .Qualitative data was obtained from key informants while quantitative data was obtained from junior staff of the Nairobi fire Brigade. Secondary data was obtained from documents in the department dealing with :fire suppression The study established that
(i) The Nairobi Fire Brigade does not have an elaborate functional structure. The centralization of functions is a major hindrance in their operations.
(ii) There is laxity in public education. The personnel education entry qualifications are very low and the number of staff members in the fire is also very low compared to
international set standards.
(iii) The current city planning is a major hindrance to efficiency of the fire Brigade operation. Emergency lanes, narrow roads, poor housing and construction are some of the major
problems facing fire brigade.
(iii) Low capitalisation of the fire Brigade has negated its ability to operate efficiently.
Finally the study established that the fire brigade is a fundamental service which should be given the first priority in the City's annual budgetary provisions and planning. It has proved important especially when it comes to dealing with fire and other related disasters which would have caused bigger damages if they were left unattended. As well, it offers crucial education in terms of fire safety precaution measures as well as dealing with fire disaster itself. Further it was found that the staff have low morale due to the poor working conditions. Given the poor state of the Nairobi Fire Brigade private fire fighters have emerged to fill in this gap | en_US |
