Background Information

Kenya Airports Authority (KAA), established in 1991 under the KAA Act Cap 395, continues to play a central role in the advancement of Kenya's aviation sector. As the institution mandated to construct, operate, and maintain aerodromes and associated aviation facilities across the country, the Authority holds a critical responsibility in safeguarding airport operations, enhancing safety standards, and improving the overall passenger experience. To support this mandate, KAA consistently invests in attracting competent, disciplined, and self-driven personnel capable of sustaining and strengthening its operational efficiency.

In line with this commitment, KAA has announced a large-scale recruitment exercise for the position of Firefighter Trainee, an opportunity designed for individuals seeking to build a long-term career in aviation safety and emergency response. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the position, job responsibilities, job grade, terms of employment, and the expectations placed on prospective applicants.

Vacancies Airport safety remains one of the most essential components within the global aviation sector. The increased passenger traffic, growth in cargo operations, advancement of aircraft technology, and heightened safety regulations have all contributed to the need for highly trained airport rescue and firefighting personnel. Firefighter trainees are an integral part of the Airport Fire and Rescue Services, playing a key role in emergency preparedness, rescue operations, fire suppression, disaster response, and safety compliance.

Kenya Airports Authority is offering an opportunity for 100 individuals to join its structured Firefighter Trainee program under job grade S3. The program is designed as an initial one-year on-the-job training engagement, after which successful trainees may be absorbed on permanent and pensionable terms subject to meeting all performance, training, and competency requirements. This pathway provides a strong foundation for a long-term institutional career in the aviation firefighting field.

The Firefighter Trainee role is suitable for individuals who demonstrate physical and mental resilience, commitment to public safety, strong discipline, a willingness to work in high-pressure environments, and a passion for serving in emergency response units. The structured training program offers exposure to professional firefighting techniques, aviation safety procedures, disaster risk management, emergency medical response, and use of specialized firefighting equipment.

As part of KAA's equal opportunity hiring framework, qualified women, persons with disabilities, and individuals from minority and marginalized groups are strongly encouraged to submit their applications. The Authority upholds a transparent recruitment process, free of any form of canvassing, financial inducements, or external influence.

Position Overview

The Firefighter Trainee position is a foundational role aimed at equipping new entrants with technical knowledge, practical skills, and operational readiness required for effective performance in an airport firefighting environment. Trainees will undergo structured learning, simulation exercises, theoretical coursework, and practical field operations under the supervision of experienced Fire and Rescue Services personnel.

Detailed Job Description: Firefighter Trainee

The Firefighter Trainee program is designed to provide comprehensive training in aviation rescue and firefighting functions. The detailed job description below outlines key responsibilities that trainees will be expected to undertake during the one-year period under the Aviation Rescue and Firefighting Department.

• Fire Suppression and Rescue Operations: Participate in both simulated and real emergency operations aimed at protecting life, property, aircraft, and airport facilities. Key responsibilities include assisting senior firefighters in containing fires involving aircraft, buildings, fuel installations, vehicles, and other airport assets. Trainees learn techniques in applying firefighting agents, including foam and dry chemicals, and support rescue operations involving passengers, crew, and airport personnel. They are expected to respond rapidly and efficiently during emergency calls and follow prescribed airport firefighting protocols and standard operating procedures.
• Emergency Response and Incident Management Support: The trainee program includes comprehensive exposure to emergency response operations. Trainees assist in stabilizing emergency scenes, executing evacuation procedures, and establishing safety perimeters around affected areas. They support senior officers during incidents such as aircraft accidents, hazardous material spills, terminal emergencies, and fire alarms. They learn how to operate under stressful and rapidly changing conditions, maintain composure, and prioritize life-saving actions.
• Fire Safety Inspections and Prevention Activities: One of the core pillars of aviation safety is fire prevention. Trainees will assist in conducting regular inspections of airport facilities, equipment, storage areas, airside assets, and terminal buildings to identify fire risks and ensure compliance with fire safety regulations. They support senior staff in inspecting extinguishers, fire alarms, hydrants, rescue tools, protective gear, and emergency exits. The training program emphasizes learning how to detect hazards, recommend preventive measures, and maintain accurate inspection records.
• Equipment Handling, Maintenance, and Operation: Trainees will be introduced to a wide range of specialized firefighting and rescue equipment, such as crash tenders, breathing apparatus, hydraulic cutters, ladders, hoses, thermal imaging devices, and protective clothing. Responsibilities include assisting in daily and weekly maintenance routines, ensuring equipment is clean, functional, and ready for immediate deployment. Trainees learn correct handling procedures, routine checks, refilling, and storage of firefighting agents and personal protective equipment.
• Physical Fitness and Operational Readiness: Aviation firefighting is physically demanding, requiring trainees to maintain a high level of fitness, agility, and endurance. The program emphasizes daily physical training, strength conditioning, and simulation-based fitness assessments. Trainees must be prepared for tasks such as lifting heavy equipment, running long distances, climbing, carrying rescue victims, and operating in extreme temperatures and confined spaces.
• Training Participation and Skills Development: Throughout the one-year period, trainees will undergo theoretical and practical instruction in aviation firefighting, emergency medical response, fire science, communication protocols, aircraft familiarization, and disaster risk management. They are required to attend all scheduled lessons, pass written and practical evaluations, participate in simulation drills, and demonstrate continuous improvement in competency development.
• Report Writing and Documentation: Firefighter trainees will be involved in preparing operational notes, training logs, incident summaries, safety reports, and equipment records. This supports the Authority's need for accurate documentation, compliance tracking, and performance evaluation.

• Physical and mental resilience
• Commitment to public safety
• Strong discipline
• Willingness to work in high-pressure environments
• Passion for serving in emergency response units
• Ability to maintain composure under stressful conditions
• Physical fitness, agility, and endurance

• Demonstrated physical and mental resilience
• Commitment to public safety
• Strong discipline
• Willingness to work in high-pressure environments
• Passion for serving in emergency response units
• Ability to pass written and practical evaluations
• Successful completion of training program requirements