The Kenya Airports Authority has acquired four new fire engines at a combined Ksh369 million.
KBC on Wednesday, March 11 reported that the four trucks are an addition to two others that were commissioned in March 2019, at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport as part of the agency's ongoing modernisation of airfields within the country.
KAA's acting Managing Director Alex Gitari during the launch stated that the ultra-modern trucks would be a boost to the agency in curbing challenges and demands of the country's aviation sector.
“As technology in aircraft production increases other sectors of the industry like ground support infrastructure and services like fire cover must also be upgraded to meet industry demands.
"We assure our customers, including our esteemed airlines that safety is our top priority at KAA and we are pledging to provide resources to ensure our airports meet the highest safety standards that go beyond the regulatory requirements," Gitari stated.
The four are inclusive of three Mercedes Benz Titan trucks each with a 700 horsepower engine, a top speed of 120 kilometres per hour with an acceleration of 80 kilometres per hour in just 25 seconds.
The three weigh 34 tonnes each and have a water and foam capacity of 12,500 and 1,500 litres respectively.
The fourth is a Mercedes Benz AROC with a 456 horsepower engine, a 100 kilometres per hour top speed, and an 80 kilometre per hour in 27 seconds acceleration. It has a water and foam capacity of 5,000 and 600 litres respectively.
Gitari stated that the airports were the primary points of contact for travellers, and therefore, safety concern is required at the airports.
The KAA MD stated that the fire engines would ensure quick response to and after emergencies such as aircraft accidents and fires.
The 4 are destined for use at the Moi International Airport (MIA), the Kisumu International Airport (KIA), the Eldoret International Airport (EIA) and Lodwar Airport.
