Fire Disaster Mitigation and Preparedness in Nairobi: a Capacity Assessment of the City’s Fire Brigade

Abstract

This study is an assessment of the capacity for fire disaster mitigation and preparedness of the county government. It aims at assessing the existing capacity, identifying the deficiencies and recommending areas of improvement to enhance fire disaster mitigation and preparedness. Based on parameters of assessment identified in fire disaster management literature, a conceptual framework for fire disaster preparedness was developed. The study adopted an evaluative approach to achieve its objectives. Several indicators of management technical and infrastructure, financial, and institutional and legislative capacities were assessed. The study used stratified random sampling to create a sample frame which comprised two hundred and forty three respondents (243), out of which 198 respondents were service users and 45 respondents were fire department personnel. Service users were derived from three different parts of the city where recent fire disasters had occurred- Gikomba market, Industrial area and Gatwikira village, Kibera. Data collection was done using questionnaires, interview schedules, observation and photography. Data analysis was done using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences and Ms Excel, and the results presented using tables, graphs and pie charts. The study revealed that the county government has inadequate capacity for fire disaster mitigation and preparedness by identifying inadequacies such as lack of fire disaster management plans and inadequate machinery and equipment among others. The study provides recommendations on improvements and policy measures on fire disaster mitigation and preparedness key among them being development of fire disaster management and contingency plans, adequate budgetary allocation, community awareness creation and capacity development.