Nairobi county government on Monday received four fire engines, four ambulances 13 water tenders and a turntable ladder through Sh1.1 billion Belgium government financing.
Belgium Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister Didier Reynders handed over the equipment to Governor Evans Kidero during the Belgium King's Day Celebration at the Embassy in Muthaiga.
Reynders said his government will also build two fire stations in the city and train the county fire firefighting personnel.
"Belgium stands with Nairobi
county and the Kenyan government. We hope the new equipment will help the fire officers respond better to fire incidences which are common, especially in the informal settlements," Reynders said.
Kidero said the the county is keen to devolve fire department to the sub-counties to deal with frequent fire outbreaks.
"Nairobi County government will is keen to devolve fire and rescue services to the sub-county and Ward levels and we pray for your continued support," he said.
Kidero said the deal includes 35 per cent in grant and 64 per cent free 20-year interest-free loan.
Currently, the city has two fire stations based on Tom Mboya and Industrial Area, however only the former is fully functional despite the massive growth in population.
The county’s fire department has been ridiculed in the past for faulty equipment, arriving at fire scenes late, running out of water and having difficulties putting out fires in high-rise buildings.