by Suleiman Adan Issack, Chief Fire Officer – Mandera County Leadership Class Instructor
Impact from the 2025 Fire & EMS Symposium and Competition – Bandari Academy, Mombasa, Kenya
The 2025 Fire and EMS Symposium at Bandari Academy in Mombasa provided an excellent platform for counties across Kenya to strengthen their emergency response capacity. As an instructor in the leadership class, I witnessed the dedication of Kenya’s firefighters and paramedics first-hand and saw the critical need for strong, ethical, and modern leadership within the sector.
The symposium brought together fire officers, EMS personnel, trainers, and county delegates to exchange ideas, demonstrate best practices, and engage in practical drills. These interactions reaffirmed that leadership is the backbone of effective fire and EMS services. Key lessons focused on communication, decision-making, team coordination, and community engagement—skills essential for improving county readiness and service delivery.
Counties investing in leadership development can expect significant transformation. Trained leaders will enhance operational efficiency, strengthen safety culture, and promote accountability. Strong leaders will boost team morale, build trust, and improve collaboration across counties.
The impact of this training extends far beyond the event. As participants return to their counties, they carry new knowledge, confidence, and vision that will uplift emergency services and strengthen public safety across Kenya.
I had the opportunity to speak with some of first responders who attended the leadership class, who reflected on their valuable experiences at the Symposium. Ronald Simiyu Waswa, the Chief Fire Officer of Trans Nzoia County, shared that “the leadership class provided valuable insights into decision-making, team coordination, and crisis management. Applying these principles will improve governance, emergency response, and community trust in Trans Nzoia County.”
Teresiah Ambiah, a Paramedic for Nandi County, shared some key takeaways, including the value of the new perspectives, networking, and skill development offered in courses during the symposium. Along with gaining leadership and community building skills, Teresiah states that courses made them motivated to apply new ideas in their leadership role.
We are grateful for all the trainers and participants of this year’s Symposium! We look forward to the future of the fire service in Africa and are thrilled at the progress we see. To learn more about this year’s event and our other training trips, please watch the highlight video below and subscribe to our YouTube channel!