KAA increases airport firefighting workforce by 43pc as passenger traffic rises

Nairobi, Kenya – Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) has expanded its airport rescue and firefighting workforce by 43 per cent, in response to growing passenger traffic and aircraft movements. This increase follows the graduation of 98 new officers who have completed a rigorous four-month training programme at the KAA Training Academy.

The academy, certified by the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority, provides specialised training in aircraft rescue and firefighting, responding to building fires at airports and adhering to emergency service regulations.

The new recruits bring the total ARFFS (Airport Rescue and Firefighting Services) workforce to 326 personnel, enhancing emergency response capabilities across KAA's airport network. Between July 2025 and May 2026, KAA's airports handled 12.2 million passengers, reflecting a 2.1 per cent increase in passenger traffic over the same period last year. This surge in passenger numbers and aircraft movements necessitates a heightened focus on aviation safety services.

KAA Managing Director and Chief Executive Moses Wekesa emphasized the critical role of airport rescue and firefighting services in aviation safety, highlighting the importance of swift, coordinated responses that can mean the difference between life and death in emergencies. He urged the new officers to learn from seasoned colleagues, uphold high safety standards, and receive practical experience to fully integrate their training into operational duties.

The recruitment of 98 new officers, including 30 women, was conducted across Kenya's 47 counties, ensuring a broad geographic representation of the authority's airport network. The graduates will undergo on-the-job training at KAA airports, working alongside experienced firefighting crews before taking on full operational responsibilities. This strategic expansion aims to better address the varied emergency response needs posed by the types and sizes of aircraft serviced by KAA's airports.

Airport rescue and firefighting requirements are closely tied to the nature and scale of aircraft operations at each airport, underscoring the necessity of well-trained personnel in maintaining aviation safety. The expansion of the ARFFS workforce is expected to bolster KAA's capacity to manage growing passenger volumes and increasing aircraft movements, particularly at major hubs like Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, where movements rose by 13.2 per cent, indicating heightened operational demands.