Nairobi firefighters demand better pay and working conditions

The firefighters, who often face hostility from members of the community for arriving late during fire incidents, say that these delays are not of their making.

With a salary of Ksh. 15,000 and no risk allowances, the workers say they are often unable to meet their bills.

“Most of us here have given up; we are holding onto the job just because we have nothing else to do. Depending on a Ksh. 15,000 salary with rent and fees to pay does not make sense,” said Eric Omondi, a firefighter.

He added, “Most of the equipment we use is obsolete, and on many occasions, we are forced to go to Gigiri for water in order to respond to an emergency on Ngong' Road. When we arrive at the scene late, we sometimes face the wrath of residents who accuse us of taking too long to respond.”

Another firefighter, Stephen Ndungu, narrated how women firefighters face frustrations in their work, lacking basic equipment such as protective gear when responding to emergencies.

“We were promised a risk allowance, which we have been waiting for. We were then told it would be effected in July, but recently, the county government said they have no money,” Ndungu said.

Speaking during a consultative meeting with Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, the fire workers described poor working conditions, including dealing with bedbugs in their dorms.

Sifuna, while sympathizing with the plight of the workers, pledged to address their concerns with Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja.

“Listening to these concerns, I am even embarrassed. It is a systemic problem, and it has to be addressed so that we have a motivated workforce and they are not blamed for lateness or inefficiencies in fighting fires,” Sifuna said.

“I am going to raise these issues with the Governor of Nairobi. As senators, our job is to oversee and ensure these things work.”

“This is not a war with the governor. We want him to understand that the situation is unacceptable, and he has to pull up his socks.”