13 Jun Kenya, France partner to unveil forest fire management project

In partnership with the French Government, the Kenya Forest Service has announced the ambitious Capacity Development Project for Modern Technologies in Forest Fire Management.

The commissioning was officiated by France’s state minister for development, francophonie and international partnerships Chrysoula Zacharopoulou.

The project unveiled at KFS HQ in Karura, will be led by Tyllium, a French Infrastructure management company, is expected to provide innovative solutions to aid in detecting forest fires.

Automatic smoke detectors, drones and other thermal surveillance equipment will be innovated upon and produced as part of the project.

With the help of the French Public School for Civil Safety, rangers will also receive capacity building and training on how to respond to fire incidences and handle firefighting equipment.

“This partnership contributes to Kenya’s commitments relating to climate action and the preservation of biodiversity, two areas where France is especially keen to support,” she said.

Ambassador Suquet added that France will also provide a soft and concessional loan amount of 22 million Euros (Sh3.3 trillion) to fund the project through KFS.

“Climate change is exacerbating a problem of forest fires hence … there is a need to have early detection gear,” he added.

“France is ready to look at more cooperation with Kenya around meteorological services as it is important for many issues around adaptation to climate change.”