Githunguri: For years, residents of Githunguri town have watched helplessly as fires consumed property and businesses without a nearby fire station to respond in time. This will soon change after the construction of the long-awaited Githunguri Fire Station, which is now 90 percent complete and edging closer to the finish line, bringing renewed hope to residents who have waited nearly a decade for improved safety.
According to Kenya News Agency, the station, located in the Central Business District, had stalled since 2018 due to logistical and funding challenges. Its revival under Governor Kimani Wamatangi’s administration is now being hailed as a timely and much-needed intervention. Mary Wanjiru, a local shopkeeper, recalls a fire at her uncle’s butchery in 2021, noting that the new station brings peace of mind.
Earlier this week, the County Service Delivery Unit, led by Principal ICT Officer Kenneth Karanja, conducted a site inspection and confirmed that the structure is in its final phase. Most of the heavy construction is done; roofing, wall finishes, tiling, compound paving, and lighting are all in place. Speaking at the site, Karanja praised the contractor’s pace and commitment, emphasizing the importance of the station for timely emergency responses.
The building is in its last stages before completion, with the contractor working on final touches as county officials tour the newly tiled compound. Inside, clean rooms with freshly painted walls and installed lights are nearly ready for use. For the local community, the fire station is more than just a building; it’s a symbol of preparedness and a promise of faster emergency services.
The fire station is expected to serve not just Githunguri town but also nearby villages and shopping centers, helping cut down response time in emergencies. John Kamau, a boda boda rider, expresses relief that the community will soon have a fighting chance against fires. No official launch date has been announced, but county officials have assured the public that it will be operational soon.