n a move to enhance disaster response capabilities, the City of Kisumu has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the town of Gertshofen, located in the district of Augsburg, Bavaria, Germany. The partnership aims to strengthen Kisumu’s fire and rescue services through equipment donations, specialized training, and technical exchange.
The MoU was officially signed by Gertshofen Mayor Michael Worle, Kisumu City Manager Abala Wanga, and Kisumu County Executive Committee Member for Environment Judy Oluoch. Also present at the signing ceremony were Gertshofen official Uwe Wash, Kisumu County Chief of Staff Aloice Ager, and members of the City of Kisumu Management team.
Under the agreement, Gertshofen will donate modern fire engines to Kisumu City and facilitate comprehensive training programs for Kisumu’s fire personnel. Selected firemen will undergo advanced training in Germany, while German fire experts will be dispatched to Kisumu to conduct on-site capacity building. The training will cover fire suppression techniques, water rescue operations, and emergency response coordination.
Additionally, the MoU includes the procurement of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) from Germany to ensure the safety and efficiency of Kisumu’s emergency responders.
The initiative is scheduled to commence before the end of this year, marking a significant step in Kisumu’s efforts to bolster disaster preparedness across the city and its surrounding municipalities.
This international collaboration underscores Kisumu’s commitment to building resilient urban systems and fostering global partnerships for sustainable development.
