In November, the AFM team travelled to Mombasa, Kenya, for this year’s annual EMS & Fire Symposium and Competition. During this week long event, over five hundred participants from Kenya and neighboring countries gathered for hands-on training, fellowship, and first responder competitions.
Participants joined in hands-on training and firefighting drills.
Each year, AFM leverages the skills of our experienced team members and local leaders to provide informative, contemporary, instruction to participants. Lessons range from practical skills like flame control and hose line management to theoretical applications like first responder leadership. In addition to courses in firefighting and EMS, the AFM team introduced lessons from our new Active Bleeding Control program to provide first responders life-saving skills.
One of the exciting opportunities of the Symposium is for team members from AFM to partner with stakeholders from local groups. Fire Chief Wako Abgudo shared his thoughts on this collaboration, writing “Africa fire Mission has been one of Kenya’s strongest partners in advancing professional firefighting. Their team delivered impactful sessions on modern fire and EMS response techniques, international safety standards, and leadership development, empowering participants to raise operational excellence across Africa’s fire services. Through partnerships like this, Emergency response training Kenya has reached higher standards. Counties are now adopting better safety practices while adapting them to local needs.”
Firefighters collaborated to improve their communication, leadership, and teamwork.
Partnerships expand the reach of AFM and our lessons to more individuals, building our community and creating a safer environment for all. We’re excited to see the interest of partners in Kenya, including frequent collaborators like the Kenya Council of Emergency Medical Technicians and new stakeholders like Bandari Maritime Academy, who kindly hosted this year’s event.
Growth is happening and more lives are being saved! Each year, we see improvements as skills are sharpened, communication improves, and the sustainable capacity of departments grows. As the first responder heroes in Kenya continue their work, we’re excited to move along side them and continue to train, empower, support, and encourage.
As Fire Chief Wako shared, “Behind every helmet is a hero’s story. A firefighter from Garissa shared how his team battled a market fire for ten hours with only one engine. Another from Nakuru told how his team rescued flood victims using skills learned from the symposium. Women firefighters stood proudly, showing that courage knows no gender. Their strength inspired many and showed how inclusivity makes Kenya’s fire service stronger. As the 2025 symposium ended, the air was filled with pride and hope. Firefighters returned home with new knowledge, friendships, and confidence to protect their communities. They carried back more than certificates; they carried the spirit of unity. They learned that Kenya’s strength lies in teamwork and compassion. Through continued Emergency response training Kenya, the dream of a safer nation is becoming real.”
We look forward to the continued growth of the fire service in Kenya and across Africa!
Firefighters participated in hands-on fire training during the Symposium.
Training events like the Symposium are just one of many ways in which AFM is making a difference all around the world. As we look ahead to 2026, we’re excited to continue the hard-work from 2025 with trips to four countries, expanded programs, and exciting new developments. All our work is possible thanks to the generous support of donors like you! This Giving Tuesday, please consider a one-time or reoccurring donation to help our efforts to train, empower, support, and encourage first responders in Africa and around the world.