On 25 May 2021, Nairobi City County Government and SOMATI vehicles-Belgium signed a commercial contract for the delivery of second-phase firefighting equipment.
The 3M Euros contract was signed by Nairobi County Attorney Ms. Lydia Kwamboka and SOMATI vehicles Sales Export Director Mr. Jan Schampheler.
Ms. Kwamboka expressed gratitude to the Belgian Government for their support, stating, "Nairobi County welcomes Belgium Government’s approval for the support of the Gigiri fire station construction. SOMATI company is welcome anytime for more support. As a county we are very grateful to the Belgian Government for offering training to our fire men and women. We are glad that a trained team is in place incase of any repairs on the equipment."
Earlier in 2021, Nairobi County Government and the Belgian Government commenced negotiations for Phase two of fire fighting equipment donations, led by Belgian Ambassador to Kenya Nicolas Nihon.
Mr. Jan Schampheler emphasized the importance of the second phase, saying, "The Belgian Government has finally approved to support construction of additional Fire station at Gigiri near American Embassy. While phase 1 was to deliver basic materials, phase two will deliver vehicles for hazardous materials such as water rescue, ambulances personal protection equipments for the new recruits. Fire response and interventions in the County had improved, but it will be even more efficient with this equipment addition and training of fire personnel. Once phase two is completed Nairobi County will have the most well equipped fire brigade in East Africa."
The signing ceremony was witnessed by Deputy Director Fire and Disaster management Mr. Brian Kisali.
