Kakuma, March 12, 2025 (Public Communication and Media Relations)

More than 230 businesses from both the host and refugee communities in Turkana West have benefitted from a fire safety assessment. This was conducted by the Directorate of Urban Areas Management in partnership with the International Finance Corporation (IFC).

The business owners were also trained on fire response activation and evacuation procedures after receiving fire extinguishers.

The exercise aimed to enhance safety standards aligning with the County’s goal of developing resilient towns for economic growth.

The Chief Officer for Urban Areas Management, Peter Lomorukai, who led the assessment team, said Kakuma was prioritized due to huge numbers of fire outbreaks that devastated businesses and disrupted trade in the area in the recent past.

“We recognize fire outbreaks as a major threat. When they occur, both businesses and livelihoods suffer. This intervention mitigates the risk while also empowering the community on how to respond,” Lomorukai stated.

Speaking on behalf of the inspection team, Peter, an experienced firefighter and survivor of a fire outbreak, emphasized the need for fire safety awareness.

“The assessment revealed critical fire hazards in many businesses, including faulty electrical connections, open flames in cooking areas, and a lack of fire suppression equipment,” he noted.

Director of Administration, Dr Napoco Ekitela, reiterated the County’s commitment to addressing fire risks and safeguarding livelihoods.