The County Government of Nyeri has concluded a transformative three-day Aqua Search and Rescue Training to students and community, aimed at enhancing local capacity for emergency response and water-related disaster preparedness.
The training, conducted through the Department of Gender, Youth, Sports, and Social Services in collaboration with the Kenya Red Cross Society, culminated on Friday, July 25, 2025, with an intensive simulation exercise at the infamous Chania Falls.
Chania Falls, which has tragically claimed numerous lives over the years, served as a symbolic and practical location for the training’s final demonstrations. Trainees including local community members and students from Outspan Medical College engaged in real-time rescue simulations, showcasing their ability to respond swiftly to aquatic emergencies.
The exercises focused on vital skills such as victim retrieval, underwater searches, life-saving techniques, and coordination in high-pressure situations.
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Present to witness the drills and offer support were key county and emergency response leaders, including the County Director for Disaster Management, Col. Lucas Teimuge, the County Coordinator of the Kenya Red Cross – Nyeri Branch, Malcom Kanyoko, and Chief Fire Superintendent Paul Wamahiu. Officers from the County Disaster Management Unit were also actively involved in overseeing the sessions.
Col. Teimuge emphasized the importance of such capacity-building initiatives, noting that natural water bodies, while valuable resources, also pose significant risk during the rainy seasons or due to human negligence. “This training is part of our broader strategy to decentralize disaster preparedness, ensuring that both professional responders and ordinary citizens have the knowledge and skills to act swiftly and save lives,” he stated.
Outspan Medical College students played a particularly crucial role in the programme, not only learning aquatic rescue techniques but also contributing their medical knowledge in mock emergency triage, first aid, and post-rescue care. Their participation underscored the vital link between emergency rescue operations and immediate medical intervention.
Beyond the technical skills imparted, the programme also featured a strong community engagement component. Local residents from around the Chania Falls area were sensitized on water safety practices, early emergency reporting, and basic first responder procedures.
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This grassroots approach is expected to foster a more proactive and safety-conscious community, able to contribute meaningfully in the critical minutes before professional responders arrive.
Malcom Kanyoko of the Red Cross highlighted the significance of building local partnerships to strengthen disaster resilience, particularly in high-risk zones. “Community empowerment is the cornerstone of effective disaster management,” he said. “When people know what to do, they can make the difference between life and death.”
The County Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Nyeri’s disaster preparedness through continued collaboration with strategic partners, regular training programs, and investment in life-saving infrastructure. The success of this Aqua Search and Rescue Training reflects a growing momentum in the region to move from reactive to proactive disaster response models.
With more initiatives of this kind, Nyeri County is well on its way to building a more resilient and life-saving emergency response ecosystem.
By Rodgers Wagura
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