Governor Jonshon Sakaja's administration has said the construction of a three-bay fire station in Gikomba will be completed in six months.
The fire station will address perennial fire outbreaks in the City's popular markets.
Its development comes after years of outcry from traders who have been counting losses as a result of constant fire outbreaks.
Speaking to the Star Friday, Nairobi Chief Officer Disaster Management. Bramwell Simiyu said the project, once completed, will address fire tragedies promptly for the benefit of the business community and City residents at large.
“The fire station is set to cost the county government Sh60 million. The construction began a month ago and we are expecting it to be complete in the next five months so that we can address fire challenges that most of our traders have been facing,” Simiyu said.
“The new fire station will have a crew of six firefighters per shift to enable prompt response.”
The Chief Officer said the construction of the fire station followed consultation with traders and the Gikomba market leadership.
He said City traders reached out to the county boss seeking solutions to fire tragedies.
It was during the meeting that it was resolved that the construction of the fire station would go a long way in addressing the challenge.
“We are also going to ensure that we establish a clear road network to enable the free movement of fire engines during the tragedies. More often when a fire tragedy occurs, it is the lack of road networks that hinders our response," Simiyu said.
"We are very deliberate in ensuring that we get that right even as we set up the fire station.”
He added:
“With the new market being constructed, we look forward to ensuring that traders who have in the past been affected by fire tragedies are accommodated,” Sakaja added
