Fire and emergency experts from the United States are in Kisii County to train personnel in the local disaster response unit.
The team led by the Minnesota State’s Fire Chief and Commander Kenneth Prillaman will train on modern fire safety techniques and use of equipment.
Others in the team are fire experts Shanon Abboth, Mark Lynde and Prof Thomas Nyambane, a trainer in emergency handling.
The visit follows Governor James Ongwae’s visit to the Minnesota Fire Department in 2013.
Speaking during a courtesy call to Governor Ongwae at his office on Friday, Prillaman said the team will impart knowledge to the disaster response on public safety and emergency preparedness.
“We are here in response to a call by Governor Ongwae who asked that we come and partner in disaster management. We shall assess the existing infrastructure before embarking on the training,” said Prillaman.
The team donated 18 complete sets of fire fighting gear including booths, two dozens of smoke detectors, rescue ropes, trousers, coats, caps and gloves.
“I want to thank Mr Prillaman and his team for heeding to my call to come and help train our unit. The county has witnessed a number of fire incidents that have occasioned loss of property worth millions of shillings and therefore having a proper fire response unit is crucial,” said Ongwae.
He said the ultimate goal of the county was to integrate fire and emergency services to the ambulatory service for better results.
Joshua Isaboke, the CEO of Tetra Investment and Trainer on Emergency and Disaster handling said he was happy to return to his home county and give back to society through training.
“We are here to offer high level training on fast response to fires and other emergencies. We intend to assess what the county has and propose new infrastructure to be installed for improved services going forward," he said.
Deputy Governor Joash Maangi and CeC in charge of Administration Peris Onsarigo were present during the meeting.