Africa Fire Mission (AFM) is excited to announce our partnership with the Delft University of Technology, International Institute of Social Studies of Erasmus University, Leiden University, and GRO6 Fire Network on a global research project, titled Co-creating Fire Safety Innovations for Domestic Fires with Grassroots Organizations in Informal Settlements in Kenya. This project aims to find community-driven solutions to life and property-threatening fires in informal settlements in Kenya. During the development of these solutions, researchers will work directly with grassroots organizations to create renewable prototypes of at-home fire safety products. These products will be researched, developed, and produced for use by residents in informal settlements in Kenya.
This project is possible because of financial support from the Leiden-Delft-Erasmus (LDE) Global Grant Committee. A grant from this committee will provide the funding for the Universities to partner with leaders from AFM and GRO6 in Kenya, creating collaboration that will support communities across the country. Doctor Behnam Taebi, a Professor and Researcher at Delft University, writes: “What distinguishes [this] project is the emphasis on community involvement. By partnering with local stakeholders, they ensure that interventions are culturally sensitive and sustainably maintained. This participatory approach not only enhances the effectiveness of the initiatives but also empowers residents, fostering a sense of ownership and resilience within the community.”
As part of this project, AFM is working closely with strong leaders from around the world. Beatrice Hati Gitundu is one of the leaders behind this exciting project! She is a visionary urban development professional advancing sustainable urbanism, equitable governance, and disaster resilience in cities. On the topic of this project, Bea wrote “In Nairobi’s ghettos, grassroots heroes often respond first – with local knowledge and solutions that are too often unrecognized. I am excited to be pushing boundaries in this project to uncover what powerful solutions emerge when technical innovation meets grassroots innovation.”
Flame Away’s Director Max Nijman will lead the fire innovation efforts. With his company Flame Away, Max brings the experience of creating a fire safety solution that meets the need of stakeholders around the world. In this LDE Global project, leaders will use the same process behind Flame Away’s successful products to create a solution for the informal settlements in Nairobi: talk to all stakeholders, let everyone share their opinion, quantify this knowledge and use it to make a product
Work on this project will begin in 2025. We are grateful for our partnerships and thank the LDE Global Grant Committee for their generous grant that will support this impactful work!
