In November, Africa Fire Mission worked with partners and collaborators around the world to hold the 2024 Kenya EMS and Fire Symposium and Competition. This Symposium featured firefighter and EMS trainings, leadership development, mental health awareness, community fire prevention trainings, and the signature EMS and Fire Competition. All of the classes were desinged to have immediate application for firefighters and EMS personel. AFM was espeically focused on leadership development in emergency services and the mental, physical, and spiritual wellness of first responders.

AFM would like to recognize members of the fire service who are making a difference across Africa, as well as the award winners of the Fire and EMS Competition!

2024 Fire Prevention Awards

Each year, AFM awards individuals and countywide fire services who have contributed to the welfare and safety of their communities with an annual Fire Prevention Award. These awards were designed to recognize people who make positive differences in their communities and empower those around them through training, teaching, and protecting. The awards celebrate trainings that have been replicated in communities utilizing AFM’s Fire Safety Advocacy Model.

This year, AFM recognized three firefighters and their county’s fire services. Our Fire Prevention award winners were John Kiama with Kirinyaga County Fire & Rescue Services, Abdirahman Mohamed Goje with Mandera County Fire & Rescue Services, and Michael Agono with Migori County Government Fire & Rescue Services!

Pictured are award winners from Mandera and Migori Counties. John Kiama and representatives from Kirinyaga County were unable to attend the award ceremony.

EMS and Fire Competition winners

The EMS and Fire Competition gives firefighters and EMT’s a chance to show their skills and compete with others in full-scale emergency response scenarios. This year’s competition was broken into two parts: a written assessment portion and an emergency response scenario. The scenario featured a full burning building simulation, where fire teams competed to extinguish flames and EMT’s provided care and support for those impacted by the fire.

Participants from across Kenya competed for the top ranking this year! The Competition was fierce, but we are happy to recognize Alex Rurira as the Written Fire Competition winner, Makueni County’s Fire Service Team as the Practical Fire Competition winners, a tie between Erick Muli and an anonymous participant as the Written EMS Competition winners, and Patrick Kingori, Faridah Kavere, and Marvine Omukuba as the Practical EMS Competition winners. Congratulations to all the competitors!

Honoring José ngunjiri

This year, José Ngunjiri, AFM’s Fire Safety Officer, is celebrating five years working with AFM! Throughout the years, José has made an invaluable impact on the fire service across Africa and around the world. During the closing ceremonies, José was given a plaque and celebrated by AFM partners!

AFM partner Kenya Council Of Emergency Medical Technicians (KCEMT) wrote this about José for the ceremony: “In his exceptional role as coordinator and liaison for AFM, he has been a cornerstone of this symposium’s success. José has worked tirelessly to champion fire safety and preparedness, bridging gaps between stakeholders and ensuring seamless collaboration throughout the year. His commitment to fostering awareness, building capacity, and inspiring action in fire prevention has left an indelible mark on everyone. As a Fire Advocate, José’s leadership and vision has elevated the conversation around fire safety to new heights, making our communities safer and more resilient.”

We would like to thank José for all of hard work and his commitment to the fire service!

Looking forward

We are so grateful for all the partners that made this incredible event possible! We are looking forward to future Symposiums and more opportunities to train, empower, support, and encourage the fire service around the world.

In 2025, AFM is making an impact with several mission trips across Africa! If you would like to make an impact with us, consider joining a mission! You can also support us through a recurring or one-time donation. When you donate, we will immediately put your generosity to work.