Firefighters in Nairobi County are now raising their voices, describing conditions that have left them feeling neglected and abandoned by the leadership they serve under.
Once seen as heroes for saving lives and property during emergencies, many of them say they are now struggling to make ends meet and carry out their work safely.
Their frustrations point to a department that is no longer functioning as it should, weighed down by poor management and broken promises.
According to the officers, salaries have been delayed for weeks and the pay they receive is far below what is needed to support their families.
Many also describe their working environment as extremely harsh, without the necessary protective equipment that is critical when responding to fires or accidents in the city.
This means they risk their lives every time they answer a call, without proper safety assurance from the county government.
The problems have spilled over into their personal lives. Several firefighters revealed that their children were turned away from schools after reopening last week due to unpaid fees.
With no pay coming in, they have been unable to meet these basic obligations, a situation that has left many feeling helpless.
They further disclosed that the stress and frustration have pushed some into depression, especially as they continue to wait for promises that never materialize from the governor’s office.
One employee wrote to Cyprian Is Nyakundi, saying, “Hello Cyprian. Hope you are well. Kindly keep me anonymous. I am an employee of Nairobi County and I work as a firefighter. We are really suffering under this county government.
Salary delay, low wages, unconducive working environment, no PPEs etc. Our children reported to school last week but they have been sent back home due to fee balances, and up to today we haven’t been paid last month’s salary.
Many of us in the fire department are going through depression, including me. The governor just gives us empty promises, and I think something should be done because we risk our lives and our efforts are not seen. Kindly Cyprian, share this and please keep me anonymous. Thanks.”
These concerns surface only days after Governor Johnson Sakaja survived an impeachment motion in the Nairobi County Assembly.
His removal from office was halted after President William Ruto and Raila Odinga intervened, convincing UDA and ODM ward representatives to drop the push.
The motion was largely based on growing dissatisfaction over county resources, including bursary allocations, the ward development fund, and claims that the governor was sidelining elected leaders.
Although the governor escaped that political storm, the unrest among firefighters and other county employees shows that deeper issues remain unresolved.
The promises of collaboration and transparency he gave following the impeachment scare are already being tested, with staff demanding immediate solutions to their plight.
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