The loss of a man in a drowning incident and the destruction of property in a separate fire in Ting’ang’a Ward have renewed calls for the speedy enactment of the Kiambu County Fire and Rescue Services Bill, 2025, with leaders arguing that the legislation is critical to strengthening emergency response across the county.
The two emergencies, which occurred on Tuesday, exposed the growing demand for better-equipped rescue services as Kiambu County’s firefighters and rescue divers were deployed to separate operations within hours of each other.
According to Ting’ang’a Ward MCA Lawrence Mwaura Napoleon, a middle-aged man drowned at a dam in the Kabaazi Coffee Estate area in Kamiti Location while another devastating fire razed homes at Rung’u Village in Ting’ang’a Location.
The county’s fire brigade responded to the fire, but the blaze had already spread rapidly, leaving residents counting heavy losses. No household property was salvaged despite the firefighters’ intervention.
In a separate operation, Kiambu County Fire and Rescue divers recovered the body of the drowning victim from the dam before handing it over to police officers for further investigations.
Speaking after the incidents, Mr Mwaura said the two tragedies underscored the urgent need to strengthen the county’s emergency response systems through legislation.
“It is because of incidents such as these that I sponsored the Kiambu County Fire and Rescue Services Bill, 2025. Once enacted, the law will provide a stronger legal framework for investment in both capital and recurrent expenditure to improve fire and rescue services across Kiambu County,” he said.
The proposed law seeks to establish a comprehensive framework for fire prevention, emergency preparedness, rescue operations and disaster management, while providing for improved staffing, equipment, infrastructure and funding for the county’s fire department.
The MCA noted that while firefighters responded promptly to both emergencies, growing urbanisation and increasing disasters require greater investment in modern firefighting equipment, rescue facilities and specialised personnel to minimise the loss of lives and property.
The latest incidents come months after the County Assembly initiated public participation on the proposed legislation.
Earlier this year, the Assembly’s Departmental Committee on Transport, Public Works and Infrastructure held a public participation forum that brought together representatives from the African Fire Mission, the Kenya Red Cross, Community Disaster Teams, fire officers from Kiambu and Makueni counties, the Chief Officers Fire Association of Kenya, members of the business community and residents.
The committee, chaired by Limuru East MCA Patrick Mwiberi, collected views on the Bill before preparing a report for tabling in the County Assembly.
Stakeholders who participated in the exercise supported efforts to strengthen the county’s fire and rescue capacity, saying a robust legal framework would enhance disaster preparedness, improve coordination among emergency agencies and guarantee sustained funding for critical rescue services.
If approved by the Assembly, the Kiambu County Fire and Rescue Services Bill, 2025, is expected to provide the legal foundation for expanding emergency response infrastructure and improving the county’s capacity to respond to fires, floods, road accidents, drowning incidents and other disasters.
The double tragedy in Ting’ang’a has now placed fresh pressure on county leaders to fast-track the legislation, with residents hoping stronger emergency services will help prevent future loss of life and reduce the devastating impact of disasters.
