The Directorate of Security Services at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) concluded an intensive five-day fire safety and first aid training for staff and students, aimed at equipping the university community with essential emergency response skills.
The training, which ran from May 11 – 15, 2026, aligns with the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 14001:2015 requirements. The global standard mandates that institutions proactively identify and manage environmental risks, including fire hazards in order to safeguard both human lives and institutional property.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Victoria Ngumi, who was represented by the Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor, Administration and Finance, Prof. Daniel Sila, underscored the importance of fire safety drills and training.
The Vice Chancellor emphasized the safety measures required to handle fire emergencies and encouraged participants to remain keen and apply what they learned, stating that such trainings should be conducted frequently and further called on all members of the university community to prioritize fire safety.
“This is a timely intervention as a response toward fire outbreaks on campus in the past. It will ensure efficient fire management in case an incident occurs in the nearby future. Fire safety is not only the responsibility of the security directorate alone, but also a collective responsibility for all of us,” said the Vice Chancellor.
“Fire is a good servant but a bad master.” This classical proverb provided the anchor for the sessions led by Mr. Moses Githinji, Acting Managing Director of Fire Solutions Management Service (FSMS), who, leveraging years of expertise, used real-life examples to warn of the devastating consequences of fire despite its utility in daily life.
“When controlled, it cooks our food, warms our homes, and powers our industries,” he noted. “But the moment it goes unchecked, it destroys everything in its path—including property, livelihoods, and lives. That is why preparedness is not optional,” he stated.
While participating in the training, Collins Omwerema, a student participant, shared his motivation for participating in the training. “As a student living on campus, we are the first responders in case of a fire outbreak. I would like to be more useful and proactive during such emergencies by learning how to manage the situation,” he observed.
The training covered several topics such as first aid techniques, evacuation procedures and planning, walk-around inspections for fire hazard identification and assembly point protocols, all aimed at equipping participants with skills in case of a fire outbreak.
They were also trained on how to operate a fire extinguisher and knowledge about different types of extinguishers and their application in different classes on fire.
To put their skills to test, the FSMS team conducted an impromptu live evacuation drill at the College of Pure and Applied Sciences (COPAS), with occupants inside the building unaware it was a drill. Participants stepped in, guiding occupants to evacuate and assemble at the designated fire assembly point.
Speaking at the event, the Director of Security Services, Mr. Samuel Kamande, expressed his confidence in the readiness of participants following the training. He noted that management was pleased with how the programme had progressed and affirmed that the university was well prepared to handle any fire emergency.
Diana Wabuge, a Security Officer, said the training was the first of its kind for many of them and described it as beneficial and appreciated the FSMS Team for their guidance during the practical sessions. She also identified areas within the university that needed improvement
“This training has transformed how we approach fire safety at JKUAT. I am confident that everyone is fully prepared to respond effectively in case of any emergency,” she concluded.
