The County Government of Elgeyo Marakwet has received a major boost in its bid to enhance its capability to respond to disasters.
This is after Governor Wisely Rotich secured a donation of three fire trucks from the Workington International Rotary Club in the United Kingdom.
An update on the governor’s verified Facebook page indicates that the trucks were donated following a discussion that he has been having with international partners in disaster management and healthcare.
“With the invitation of the Workington International Rotary Club, United Kingdom led by the chair Mr Ken Kirkwood, I managed to have various discussions on how we can develop partnerships on disaster management and improve health care,” Rotich said on Thursday.
“After a long journey I am happy to report that I have manged to receive donations of three firefighting engines for EMC,” he added.
The new equipment, the governor who is in the UK said, will enhance the capacity of the county to respond to fire incidences.
Avert losses
He noted that had the firefighting been available, the county could have averted huge losses that were witnessed during recent fire incidences at Nyaru centre, Iten town, Chebiemit Boys as well as Litei secondary School and Kapsowar town.
Further, he thanked professionals from the county living in the United Kingdom for playing a part in securing the donation.
He also singled out Dr Kipnyamgo Seroney, and Jackson Simatei for what he described as expanding the county’s global networks.
“I also thank the EMC resource mobilisation teams and staff headed by respective CECs for the new dimension towards fostering partnerships,” Governor Rotich said.
“My gratitude to the great people of EMC for giving me the chance to lead this transformation journey,” he added.
The fire engines are now being transported from Wales to the Port of Tilbery for onward shipping to Mombasa Port.
With the arrival of the three modern engines, the county boss says they will herald a new chapter for the establishment of the Elgeyo Marakwet firefighting department.
