Nairobi, 1st February, 2021
This morning Nairobi City County Government (NCCG) led by the acting County Secretary, Dr. Jairus Musumba and County Executives today hosted the Belgian Ambassador to Kenya H.E Nicolas Nihon. The Belgian Government pledged donation of fire- fighting engines and equipment worth Euros 8,750 (Kes 1.1B).
It is worth noting that most of these programs were initiated and implemented through the leadership of the current Deputy Governor and Acting Governor, Ann Kananu who was up to her appointment was the Chief Officer in charge of Disaster management.
Speaking at the function Dr. Musumba said “I am very happy that Belgium continues to stand with Nairobi City County Government and the Kenyan government. The fire fighting vehicles and equipment donated in Phase I, in 2017, have gone a long way in helping our Fire and Rescue team respond better to fire incidences which are common, especially in the informal settlements. In the past the county’s fire department was ridiculed for faulty equipment, arriving at fire scenes late, running out of water and having difficulties putting out fires in high-rise buildings, but this has not been the case since the commencement of our partnership in 2016.”
Said Ambassador Nihon “The Government of Belgium through KBC Bank NV – M/s Somati Vehicles commenced Phase 1 Project on 20th April, 2016 after signing Contract Agreement in the implementation of the Official Aid Funded Project in collaboration with National Treasury and Fire Engines, Ambulance Vehicles, Personal Protection Equipment, breathing apparatus sets, communication systems, construction of new fire station, training, spare parts and materials worth 10,000,000 Euro (KES 1.1B) were imported.”’
A letter was written to Somati Vehicles NV by the County Secretary to make changes to the Masterlist especially for the Construction of Fire Station at Gigiri Area to cater for safety & security of Important Installations nearby notwithstanding “Deep Sea informal settlement”
Said Ms Veska Kangongo, County Executive, Devolution, Public Service Management and Administration “An MOU initiating Phase II was signed on 28th March 2018 between Nairobi City County Government and Somati Vehicles NV worth 8,570 Euro(KES 1.1B). I wish to sincerely thank Finexpo for approving Phase II on 23rd December 2020.
Nairobi City County Government has made commendable efforts towards addressing these hazards and human vulnerability. The Kenyan Constitution mandates the County to develop and implement suitable disaster management policies. To this end, the County is currently preparing the Disaster and Emergency Management Act. The Act seeks to put in place institutional systems for disaster management and enhance resource mobilization. The city has also entered into various strategic partnerships to help address these disaster concerns.
Concluded Ms. Kangogo “The County Government’s therefore desires to work with partners including national, regional, international and local agencies to develop a disaster management system that will enhance risk preparedness. The County executive members present reiterated the County govt. Commitment to forging desirable partnerships with the National, Regional and International. The County Government therefore sees this project as an opportunity towards achieving the above goal.”
-Ends/….
Belgian Ambassador to Kenya H.E Nicolas Nihon arrives at City hall.
Belgian Ambassador H.E. Nicolas Nihon signs the visitors book in the Governors office.