Mashujaa Day, Where are the firefighter heroes?

Mashujaa Day also known as the Heroes Day is a national holiday in Kenya celebrated every October 20th to recognize those who have done the country and their communities proud by the practicing the words of the National Anthem. Though, since its inception in October 2010, one group of Kenyans who play the bigger role of saving lives have been missing, this if the newspapers and media reports on the heroes is anything to go by. This group is the Kenyan firefighter who is hardly recognize for the good work and the life they risk for their country. I must say, for sure, that the only time we get to recognize the fire fighters of this country is when they respond to an emergency and due to undue circumstances, they arrive late at the seen and get a public backlash through the local and the social media, to which they are demonized.

During the unfortunate westgate shopping mall attack, the praises and recognition were given to the soldiers, which in my opinion were well deserved. But the firefighters were also in standby, despite the fact that the soldiers also had their firefighters. According the media reports, the fire team from the county government was on site and did a lot of work once the soldiers had accomplished their duties. This does not only show less gratitude to human face of firefighters but also shows how unrecognizable the firefighters are in our society. The men and women firefighters of this country are committed to their duty and gives a pray when they go out leaving their families in the fireman's prayer accord.

Heroic Fire Stations

Nairobi County Fire Station

Nairobi city is the most populous city in east Africa, with the a current estimated population of about 3 million according to the 2009 national census.The Nairobi County fire station with an estimated population of 100 firefighters serves this population and coupled with inadequate equipment, these team still manage to save families. National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends that for a population of 10000 residents, there should be a fire station. At the moment Nairobi as a whole only have one functional fire station located at the Tom Mboya street with the industrial area housing disused fire engines and the ruaraka station rarely used. The team leader and the sub station managers should be recognized for being able to manage the little that there is to respond to emergency even when they are certain it will not be enough.

The Kiambu County Fire Station

I did a study in Kiambu focusing on fire service delivery with eminent coming of the counties and aspect stood out during the study, Kiambu is on the road to an ideal fire station. With its headquarters, or I should say its chiefs based in Thika, the County fire chief has striven to ensure that in every sub-county, there is a fire station office represented and with personnel. Being the county that borders Nairobi to the south and has approximately 40 firefighters with three functional fire engines. Again serving a population of close to 800 thousand is a miracle.

Mombasa County Fire Station

This was the first fire station in Kenya and has its roots dating back to the colonial days. Serving a population of 1.2 million, Mombasa county fire station has had its share of problem but the county government can still recognize the heroes of the station especially those who have dedicated their life to the station for more than 30 years. 

The sacrifices the firefighters go through in order to ensure a fire safe society should not be taken for granted by  the authorities that be. Everyday as I mentioned earlier these men and women say this pray:

"When duty calls me oh lord, Whenever flames may rage, Give me strength to save some life Whatever be its age. Help me embrace a little child Before it is too late Or save an older person from The Horror of that fate. Enable me to be alert, and oh Lord, guide my every move, for life is so precious, please do not let us loose. I want to fill my calling and to give the best in me to guard my every neighbor and protect their property. And if according to thy will, That I must give my life, Then with thy protecting hand my Lord, I pray thee, protect my children and my wife. Amen"

The write is PhD Student JKUAT focusing on fire service delivery