Disaster Risk Management Sensitization

Fire safety training

Meru University of Science and Technology (MUST) held a sensitization on Disaster Risk Management on 23^rd June, 2023.  The training was conducted by the National Disaster Management Unit (NDMU) led by Mr. Benjamin Shamalla (Risk Officer).  Other facilitators included Mr. Edwin Wacoli (Safety and Security expert) and Mr. Caxton Kinoti (Safety and security expert).  NDMU is a government agency whose mission is to effectively prepare for and respond to emergencies, manage recovery and mitigation efforts in Kenya, in collaboration with stakeholders.

The training was officially opened by Dr. Stephen Karanja (Ag. Registrar, Academic and Student Affairs) on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor.  During his opening remarks, Dr. Karanja greatly appreciated the Security department led by Mr. Jared Maonga (Deputy Chief Security Officer) for organizing the training.  Dr. Karanja further added that the University would ensure that trainings on security for safety of the staff, students and all the University stakeholders would be carried out regularly.

Some of the areas covered during the training included Counter terrorism, Disaster management, Safety and Security, Emergency evacuation, Fire safety skills, Medical intervention amongst many others.  The training sessions incorporated both theoretical and practical modes of information delivery.  Participants were taken through the process of assessing and extinguishing various types of fires as well as tactics of managing an active shooter.

Mr. Maonga encouraged the participants to cascade the skills acquired from the training to the students and members of staff. The staff nominated from various departments who attended the training were urged to be good ambassadors and champions in case such incidents occur in the University so that these events and hazards do not qualify to become disastrous.  Mr. Maonga also added that the training is also applicable at home in our kitchens where management of various types of fire has been made possible from the skills acquired.

Here are some moments captured during the training