Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) continues to serve as a key institution in the aviation sector, providing and managing airport infrastructure across the country. Established under the KAA Act Cap 395, the Authority is mandated to construct, operate, and maintain aerodromes while ensuring that safety standards, passenger services, and aviation operations meet both national and international benchmarks. To sustain its high level of operational readiness, KAA has announced vacancies for the position of Firefighter Trainee under job grade S3, with 100 positions available.
The Firefighter Trainee role provides an opportunity for individuals seeking a career in airport rescue and firefighting services. Airport fire and rescue functions play a crucial role in safeguarding passengers, aircraft, airport facilities, and employees. This position is designed to equip trainees with the necessary skills, technical exposure, and operational capabilities required within airport emergency response environments.
The selected candidates will join a structured one-year on-the-job training program. Upon successful completion, trainees may be considered for permanent and pensionable appointment, subject to performance evaluations, demonstrated competencies, and adherence to KAA’s safety and operational standards. The Authority encourages qualified individuals, including women, persons with disabilities, and members of marginalized groups, to apply.
POSITION DETAILS
Position Title: Firefighter Trainee
Reference Number: OPS/F&RT/NOVEMBER 2025
Job Grade: S3
Number of Vacancies: 100
Terms of Employment: One-year training contract; potential for permanent and pensionable appointment upon successful completion
Application Deadline: Monday, 8th December 2025 at 5:00 p.m. EAT
INTRODUCTION TO THE ROLE
Airport firefighting demands physical endurance, mental resilience, discipline, and a commitment to public safety. Firefighter trainees form part of the future team that protects airport operations by responding rapidly to incidents, performing rescue missions, suppressing fires, and supporting general safety compliance within the airport environment. The training program exposes candidates to aviation-specific emergency operations, enabling them to gain practical experience and professional skills required for long-term progression in the field.
DETAILED JOB DESCRIPTION
- Fire Suppression and Rescue
Firefighter trainees support senior firefighters in responding to emergencies involving aircraft, buildings, fuel installations, and other airport assets. They participate in practical drills, simulated fire scenarios, and live operations where they apply firefighting agents, assist in rescue missions, and help secure affected areas. The role requires adherence to established protocols and maintaining composure under high-pressure circumstances. - Emergency Response and Incident Support
Trainees take part in airport emergency response activities, including accident scenes, fire alarms, hazardous materials incidents, and terminal emergencies. They assist in stabilizing scenes, supporting evacuation procedures, and establishing safety perimeters. Throughout the program, they learn incident management processes and work closely with senior officers to support safe and coordinated responses. - Fire Safety Inspection and Prevention
Firefighter trainees contribute to fire prevention efforts by assisting in conducting inspections of firefighting systems, airport buildings, equipment rooms, and storage facilities. They help identify fire hazards, support compliance checks, and maintain inspection records. The training includes learning how to interpret fire safety standards and ensuring preventive measures are implemented where necessary. - Equipment Handling and Maintenance
Airport fire and rescue operations rely heavily on specialized firefighting and rescue equipment. Trainees assist in inspecting, maintaining, and cleaning tools such as crash tenders, breathing apparatus, hoses, protective clothing, and emergency medical devices. They help ensure that all equipment remains operational and ready for deployment. Learning proper handling procedures and routine maintenance is essential for safety and readiness. - Physical Fitness and Preparedness
Given the demanding nature of aviation rescue work, physical fitness is a core component of the trainee program. Trainees participate in structured fitness routines involving endurance exercises, strength training, climbing, running, and rescue simulations. The program prepares them to manage physically intensive tasks such as lifting, carrying victims, and operating equipment under challenging conditions. - Training and Skills Development
The one-year training program integrates theory and practical learning. Trainees engage in fire science studies, aviation safety procedures, emergency medical response basics, communication protocols, and disaster risk management. They undertake written assessments, drills, simulations, and continuous performance evaluations. Active participation is required to build competencies needed for successful service delivery. - Reporting and Documentation
Trainees assist in preparing training logs, equipment checklists, incident summaries, fire safety inspection reports, and routine operational documentation. Accuracy in recordkeeping is important for audit trails, safety compliance, and performance monitoring. They learn how to document incidents systematically and contribute to departmental reporting processes. - Teamwork and Professional Conduct
The training program emphasizes discipline, teamwork, and respectful communication. Trainees work under a structured chain of command and must consistently demonstrate professionalism, punctuality, and adherence to organizational policies. The position requires understanding roles within a team, supporting colleagues, and exhibiting conduct that aligns with KAA’s institutional values. - Airside Operations Support
As part of their exposure, trainees may support airside operations relevant to emergency response. This includes runway safety monitoring in emergency contexts, assisting during aircraft incidents, and coordinating with the control tower and airside operators. These tasks enhance the trainees’ understanding of airport operational environments. - Compliance with Aviation Safety Regulations
The role requires understanding key aviation safety standards, including ICAO and NFPA guidelines. Trainees support safety audits, emergency preparedness programs, and compliance activities aligned with aviation regulations. This ensures trainees acquire critical knowledge required for effective and standardized firefighting operations.
TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT
The position is offered on a one-year contract basis involving extensive field training and operational exposure. Upon successful completion of all assessments and evaluations, trainees may transition to permanent and pensionable terms. Selection is based on performance, competency, discipline, and full compliance with KAA’s training standards.
APPLICATION GUIDELINES
Interested applicants should visit the Kenya Airports Authority website under the Careers Section to access the detailed job description and application requirements. All applications must be submitted online through the official careers portal. Candidates must attach all required documents as incomplete applications or canvassing will result in disqualification. The Authority does not charge any fee during recruitment.
APPLICATION DEADLINE
All applications must be received by Monday, 8th December 2025 at 5:00 p.m. East African Time.
NOTE : Application portal link opens from 25th November, 2025
Apply Here
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