Kilifi COUNTY
Inhabitants
in Kilifi County
fire stations
ensure safety in the county
Firefighters
1 FF per 20,000 residents
Area of land
comprises the county
This is Kilifi County
Kilifi County is located on the Kenyan coast and encompasses coastal towns, rural communities, and areas with a strong tourism presence. Fishing, agriculture, and tourism form the backbone of the local economy, while the population continues to grow rapidly.
At the same time, the county faces significant challenges: In many regions, roads, water and electricity supplies, and medical infrastructure are limited. Especially in rural areas, long distances make it difficult to access basic services.
Safety and emergency response capabilities are also limited. Fires, traffic accidents on highways, and medical emergencies require a rapid response, yet in many places, equipment, vehicles, and training are insufficient.
In addition, many communities are struggling with climate-related risks such as droughts, heavy rainfall, and coastal erosion. Despite these challenges, Kilifi County has significant development potential that can be sustainably strengthened through targeted investments in infrastructure, education, and emergency services.
CURRENT SITUATION
Kilifi County is located on Kenya's northern coast and covers approximately 12,000 square kilometers, comprising a mix of coastal towns, tourist destinations, and vast rural areas. The region's economy is heavily reliant on tourism, as well as fishing and agriculture.
The Kilifi County Fire & Rescue Service is under the jurisdiction of the County Government’s Department of Roads, Transport, and Public Works (RTPW). The fire department is staffed by professional firefighters who are directly employed by the county and handle all operational emergency response duties.
The service is currently available at four locations: Mtwapa, Kilifi Town, Mariakani, and Malindi. From these bases, the service covers both densely populated coastal areas and remote rural regions.
With a staff of approximately 74 firefighters, the fire department is responsible for serving about 1.5 million residents as well as a large number of tourists along the coast. This results in a wide service area and places a heavy strain on available resources during daily operations.
HOW WE HELP
In 2019, the European Fire & Rescue Support Association (EFRSA) received a request from the Kilifi County Fire & Rescue Services asking for assistance with firefighting equipment and training.
Following an initial on-site visit that same year, EFRSA decided to launch a joint project. The framework conditions were established in 2020 in a written memorandum of understanding with the local county government.
The first material support was provided in the spring of 2021 with the delivery of extensive firefighting equipment and personal protective gear. Building on this, the first training sessions began in the fall of 2021. A team of trainers from the EFRSA conducted the first structured respiratory protection training—an area that had not previously been established in the county.
In the coming years, additional training modules in firefighting, rescue operations, technical rescue, and water rescue are planned to continuously enhance operational capabilities.
The goal of the project is to provide long-term support to the Kilifi Fire Department in establishing a standardized training program, clear operational structures, and improved equipment, so that it can meet the growing demands of a rapidly developing county.
Unser Team für Kilifi
Unser ehrenamtliches Team für Nakuru County.
Berichte aus Nakuru
Neuigkeiten und Reiseberichte von Nakuru County
