Fire safety for businesses is about protecting lives first, then property and continuity. In Kenya, fires in markets, warehouses, factories, offices and shops cause devastating losses every year, and many start from preventable causes: overloaded electrical sockets, poor storage of flammable materials, unattended cooking, and blocked exits that turn a small fire into a tragedy. Kenya’s occupational safety laws, including the Occupational Safety and Health Act and its fire risk reduction rules, place duties on occupiers to manage fire risks, provide equipment and train staff. County fire departments also set local requirements.

This guide gives practical steps for business owners and managers. It is general guidance, not a substitute for professional fire safety advice, inspections by qualified fire safety auditors, or the requirements of your county fire department.

Start with a fire risk assessment

A fire risk assessment identifies what could start a fire, what could burn, who is at risk and what controls are needed.

Qualified fire safety auditors can carry out formal audits where required.

Common fire hazards in Kenyan businesses

• Overloaded sockets and extension cables
• Poor-quality or damaged wiring
• Generators and fuel stored inside buildings
• LPG cylinders in poorly ventilated spaces
• Cooking in offices, shops and staff areas
• Piles of cardboard, packaging and waste
• Flammable chemicals stored near heat sources
• Smoking in unauthorised areas
• Welding and cutting without precautions
• Blocked exits and locked emergency doors

Fire detection and alarms

Early warning saves lives. Depending on the size and type of premises:

• Smoke detectors in offices, stores and corridors
• Heat detectors in kitchens and dusty areas
• Manual call points near exits
• An alarm that can be heard throughout the building
• Connection to a monitoring service for after-hours detection where possible

Test alarms regularly and keep records.

Fire extinguishers and equipment

Also consider fire blankets in kitchens, hose reels in larger premises and sprinklers where required. Place extinguishers near exits and hazards, mount them visibly, and have them serviced by a qualified provider.

Escape routes and exits

• Keep all exits and corridors clear at all times
• Never lock emergency exits while people are inside
• Mark exits clearly with signs, lit where possible
• Provide emergency lighting for power cuts
• Ensure doors open easily in the direction of escape where required
• Plan for people with disabilities

Security and fire safety must be balanced: burglar bars and padlocked doors that stop criminals can also trap people in a fire. Use exit hardware that opens from inside without keys, and burglar bars with quick-release sections where appropriate.

Assembly points and evacuation

Choose a safe assembly point away from the building and access routes for fire engines. Appoint fire marshals for each floor or area, with responsibilities for guiding people out and checking areas. See office emergency evacuation plan.

Fire drills and training

• Hold fire drills at least twice a year, or more often in high-risk premises
• Train staff on raising the alarm, using extinguishers safely and evacuating
• Train fire marshals in their duties
• Include new staff in induction training
• Record drills and lessons learned

The role of security guards in fire safety

Guards are often the first to notice a fire, especially at night. Trained guards can:

• Check for hazards during patrols: overloaded sockets, open gas cylinders, rubbish piles
• Raise the alarm and call the fire brigade quickly
• Guide people to exits and assembly points
• Keep access routes clear for fire engines
• Control the site entrance during an emergency, preventing unauthorised entry and looting
• Record incidents in the occurrence book

See security guard duties checklist and security guard training.

Protecting the business after a fire

After a fire, premises are vulnerable to looting and further damage. Arrange guards to secure the site, preserve evidence for investigators and insurers, and control access for contractors.

Electrical safety

• Use qualified electricians for installations and repairs
• Avoid overloading sockets and daisy-chaining extension cables
• Switch off non-essential equipment at the end of the day
• Inspect wiring and equipment regularly
• Install surge protection

Storage and housekeeping

• Keep stock and packaging away from heat sources and electrical panels
• Store flammable liquids in approved containers and ventilated areas
• Keep LPG cylinders outdoors or in ventilated areas, away from ignition sources
• Remove waste regularly
• Keep generator fuel away from buildings

Sector-specific considerations

A fire safety checklist for businesses

Worked example: a distribution warehouse in Athi River

A distribution warehouse in Athi River reviewed its fire safety for businesses obligations after a small fire in a forklift charging area. The review found blocked exits behind pallets, extinguishers overdue for service, no fire marshals on the night shift and guards untrained in fire procedures. The company cleared and marked exits, moved charging to a dedicated area with detection, serviced extinguishers, appointed marshals on every shift, trained guards to patrol for hazards and raise the alarm, and held quarterly drills. A later electrical fault was spotted early by a guard on patrol and contained before it spread.

How Bestcare Security can help

We provide trained guards who support your fire safety plan through hazard patrols, alarm raising, evacuation support and site security after incidents. Learn more about our corporate security services and manned guarding services.

Fire safety for businesses in shared buildings

Many Kenyan businesses operate in shared buildings: office blocks, shopping centres, markets and mixed-use developments. Here, fire safety for businesses depends on cooperation between tenants and the building management. Find out who is responsible for the fire alarm, sprinklers, exits and drills, and make sure your staff know the building’s evacuation plan and assembly point. Report blocked exits, faulty lighting and hazards in common areas to management promptly, and take part in building-wide drills.

Fire safety after hours

Many fires start at night or at weekends when premises are empty, and spread unnoticed. Reduce after-hours risk by:

• Switching off and unplugging non-essential equipment at closing
• Checking kitchens, heaters and charging areas before locking up
• Linking smoke detectors to a monitoring service where possible
• Briefing night guards to patrol for smoke, burning smells and electrical faults
• Keeping emergency contact numbers at the guardhouse

Record keeping

Keep records of your risk assessment, equipment servicing, alarm tests, drills and training. Good records help during inspections, support insurance claims and show that fire safety for businesses is taken seriously at every level of the organisation.

Frequently asked questions

What are the basic fire safety requirements for businesses in Kenya?

Occupiers must manage fire risks, provide suitable equipment, keep exits clear, train staff and hold drills, in line with occupational safety laws and county requirements. Check with qualified advisers and your county fire department.

How often should fire drills be held?

At least twice a year, or more often in high-risk premises.

Which fire extinguisher should I use?

It depends on the hazard. CO2 for electrical equipment, foam or powder for flammable liquids, wet chemical for cooking oil, and water or foam for paper and wood.

Can I lock emergency exits at night?

Not while people are inside. Use exit hardware that opens from inside without keys.

What role do guards play in fire safety?

Guards patrol for hazards, raise the alarm, guide evacuation and secure the site.

Do I need a fire risk assessment?

Yes. It is the foundation of fire safety planning.

How often should extinguishers be serviced?

According to manufacturer and regulatory requirements, typically at least annually by a qualified provider.

How do burglar bars affect fire safety?

They can trap people. Use designs with quick-release sections and keep keys accessible inside.

What should I do after a fire?

Secure the site, preserve evidence and control access. Guards can help protect the premises.

Who is responsible for fire safety in a shared building?

Usually both the building management and each tenant have duties. Clarify responsibilities for alarms, exits and drills with management.

Can Bestcare Security support our fire safety plan?

Yes. Call 0709 004 600 to discuss trained guards for your premises.

Related reading

• Office Security Checklist for Kenyan Businesses: 35 Points to Review
• Shoplifting Prevention in Kenya: Practical Steps for Shops and Supermarkets
• Cargo Theft Prevention for Warehouses and Depots in Kenya

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