The Chief Conservator of Forests (CCF) Mr. Alex Lemarkoko on Wednesday April 30, 2025 presided over the closing ceremony of a three weeks training course for KFS fire fighters at the Forest Law Enforcement Academy (FoLEA) in Londiani, Kericho County.
The officers will form the fire fighting brigade for KFS that will be responsible for managing forest fires in gazetted forests as well as assisting other institutions in emergency situations.
The 22 trainees drawn from the Protection and Security Directorate were trained by trainers from Valabre School of Security and Fire Fighting from France.
The CCF said that it was imperative for KFS to train her own fire fighters to manage forest fires that are a threat to forest ecosystems.
He noted that the trainees will be instrumental in training other offficers in order to increase the capacity to manage fires. He thanked the French Government for supporting KFS through the Capacity Development for Modern Technology in Fire Management Project which had equiped the Service with modern fire fighting equipment including installation of fire detection cameras in a number of critical forests including the Mau and Aberdares Forests.
The CCF said that KFS aimed to be the best in institution in fire management in the country with the capability to fight both forest and structural fires.
The Commandant Mr. Mohammed A. Mohammed congratulated the trainees and urged them to utilize their expertise to prevent and manage forest fires.
Speaking at the same event the Commanding Officer of FoLEA Mr. Appolinary Mwandigha said that the trainees had undergone training in radio communication, management of different types of fires, application of technology, fire safety rules and fire drills among other important units.
Others present during the event were Major Ronan De Saint Germain and the Project Manager Mr. Patrick Ithinji among other officers.
