Nairobi, 26th August 2025
Nairobi City County Government today conducted its first fire safety drill in more than 15 years at City Hall and City Hall Annex, reaffirming its commitment to disaster preparedness and workplace safety.
The drill, organized by the Disaster Management and Coordination Sub-Sector, simulated an emergency evacuation, with staff, visitors, and senior county leadership including the County Secretary, County Executives, and Chief Officers safely evacuated to the designated assembly point at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC).
Speaking after the exercise, officials emphasized the importance of regular safety drills to ensure that county staff and the public are adequately prepared to respond swiftly and effectively during emergencies.
“This drill is not just a compliance activity but a lifesaving practice. It underscores our commitment to prioritizing the safety of our workforce and residents,” said County Secretary Mr. Godfrey Akumali.
County Executive Committee Member for Boroughs, Administration and Personnel, Mr. S. G. Mwangi, lauded the initiative, noting that it was in line with H.E. Governor Sakaja’s vision of building a city of order and preparedness.
Chief Officer for Disaster Management and Coordination, Mr. Bram Simiyu, stressed the importance of institutionalizing such exercises.
“This exercise is a timely reminder that disaster preparedness is not optional but a necessity. For the first time in 15 years, City Hall has tested its fire response capacity, and we are pleased with the cooperation shown. Our priority is to build a culture of safety within county offices and ensure that every staff member knows how to respond effectively in the event of an emergency.”
He further emphasized that the initiative is part of Governor Sakaja’s broader commitment to position the Disaster Management sector as a world class response Centre.
“As a department, and as the County Government, we are ready to partner with high-rise buildings across Nairobi to conduct similar drills and help improve their safety infrastructure. It is our responsibility to ensure that we prevent unnecessary loss of life and property by raising our standards to world class levels,” he added.
The fire drill is part of a wider county effort to strengthen disaster risk reduction, promote a safety culture within public institutions, and align Nairobi with global best practices in emergency management.
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