The 12 fire engines, the size of quad bikes, have the capability of navigating through slums which conventional fire engines find difficult accessing.
“We will no longer have problems accessing the slums. These engines will be able to navigate through to put out fire which has been a major challenge to us in the informal sectors,” Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero said when he launched the mini engines in Kibera slum on Wednesday.
The mini fire engines were acquired following complaints from slum dwellers who experience numerous fire incidents, leading to loss of lives and property.
“These mini fire engines have adjustable parts that can be adjusted to enable them penetrate the target areas during emergency situations,” Kidero said.
The Nairobi Fire Department has often faced criticism for failing to put out fires on time, particularly in slums and other areas with no access roads.
In most cases, fire-fighters have faced the wrath of angry mobs who either destroy their vehicles while baying for their blood, while accusing them of being inefficient.
“Not any more… we now have the capacity to fight fire anywhere, at any time,” Kidero said.