Fire and safety
A plain-language guide to fire safety audit requirements in Kenya, covering who needs an audit, how often, what the auditor looks at, the records to prepare and how to fix gaps before and after the audit.
Quick answer
Kenyan workplace rules call for an annual fire safety audit by an approved fire safety auditor. The auditor reviews your fire risks, equipment, escape routes, training, drills and records. Preparing early, and fixing gaps before the visit, makes the audit faster and the report cleaner.
Fire safety audit requirements in Kenya can seem confusing, especially for small and medium businesses facing their first audit. Yet the core idea is simple: once a year, an approved auditor checks that your workplace manages fire risk properly, and you act on the findings. This guide explains the requirements in plain language, what auditors usually look at and how to prepare. It is general guidance, not legal advice, so confirm details with your auditor. For practical help, see our fire safety audit support, part of our wider fire safety systems work.
Fire safety audit requirements in Kenya
GS TechGuard provides audit support: we inspect your fire systems, prepare a gap report and carry out corrective works. However, the statutory fire safety audit itself must be carried out and signed by a fire safety auditor approved under Kenyan occupational safety law. We work alongside your auditor and can help you find one.
Coverage
Workplace fire safety in Kenya falls under the Occupational Safety and Health Act, 2007. Under that Act, the Factories and Other Places of Work (Fire Risk Reduction) Rules, 2007, set out duties for occupiers of workplaces. Among other things, the rules cover fire risk management, firefighting equipment, means of escape, training, drills and an annual fire safety audit by an approved auditor. The Directorate of Occupational Safety and Health Services oversees these rules and receives audit reports.
In addition, county governments, building approvals, landlords and insurers may set their own fire safety expectations. Therefore, your obligations may go beyond the yearly audit.
In general, the rules apply to workplaces registered under the Act, such as offices, factories, warehouses, shops, hotels, schools, hospitals and other places where people work. If you are unsure whether your premises are covered, ask an approved auditor or the Directorate.
The fire safety audit requirements call for an audit at least once a year. Many organisations also review fire safety after major changes, such as a renovation, a change of use or a new process with higher fire risk. Insurers and landlords may ask for their own inspections too.
Rules and standards
Each auditor has their own approach. However, most fire safety audits cover similar areas.
| Area | What the auditor typically checks |
|---|---|
| Fire risk | Hazards, sources of ignition, flammable materials, housekeeping |
| Fire safety policy | A written policy and named responsible people |
| Detection and alarm | Coverage, function, maintenance records |
| Firefighting equipment | Extinguishers, hose reels and hydrants: type, location, servicing |
| Means of escape | Clear routes, exits that open easily, signs and emergency lighting |
| Training and drills | Fire marshals, staff training and drill records |
| Storage | Safe storage of flammable liquids and gases |
| Electrical safety | Condition of wiring, overloaded sockets, distribution boards |
| Records | Logbooks, service reports, previous audit actions |
As a result, an audit is about systems and behaviour, not only equipment.
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If any record is missing, start keeping it now. Even a short history shows the auditor that you take fire safety seriously.
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Fortunately, most of these are straightforward to fix before the audit. Our fire alarm maintenance checklist helps with the alarm side.
Two to three months before. First, book your approved auditor. Next, arrange a pre-audit inspection of your fire systems, so you have time to fix gaps. Finally, review last year's report and confirm every action is complete.
One month before. Complete corrective works, such as replacing failed emergency lights or repairing alarm faults. In addition, hold a fire drill and record it, and refresh fire marshal training.
One week before. Gather records in one file, walk escape routes to confirm they are clear and test the fire alarm and emergency lighting.
On the day. Make a responsible person available to accompany the auditor, answer questions and provide records.
The auditor issues a report with findings and recommendations. Typically, the report goes to the Directorate, and you should keep a copy. Then, act on each recommendation, assign a responsible person and set a date. Keep evidence of every action, because next year's auditor will ask about it.
In practice, the period after the audit is where real safety improves. Therefore, treat the report as a plan, not a certificate to file away. In addition, share the findings with fire marshals and managers, because people act faster on risks they understand. Finally, review progress every quarter, so nothing is left until the week before the next audit.
Budgets often decide how quickly gaps close. So plan for three types of cost. First, the auditor's fee, which depends on the size and complexity of the premises. Second, routine maintenance, such as fire alarm servicing, extinguisher servicing and emergency lighting tests. Third, corrective works found during the audit, such as new emergency lights, extra detectors or exit door hardware. In addition, set aside a small contingency, because older buildings often reveal hidden problems. Our fire alarm cost guide and security systems price guide give indicative ranges for common works.
In shared buildings, responsibilities can overlap. Typically, the landlord manages shared systems such as the main fire alarm, stairwells and hydrants, while each tenant manages its own space, staff training and drills. However, leases differ, so check yours. In practice, the best results come when landlord and tenants share records, coordinate drills and agree who fixes each finding. Otherwise, audit findings may bounce between parties while risks remain.
Fire safety audit requirements in Kenya
As a result, each audit becomes a check of a working system rather than a scramble.
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Fire safety audit requirements in Kenya
We support you before and after the statutory audit. First, we inspect your fire alarm, emergency lighting, suppression and escape route systems and deliver a clear gap report. Then we carry out corrective works, such as fire alarm installation and emergency lighting upgrades. Finally, we provide maintenance that keeps records in order for next year.
To prepare for your next audit, request audit support.
Get started
Tell us about your site and an engineer will call you back within one working day to discuss your needs and arrange a visit.
Prefer to talk? Call +254 184 379 590
The Fire Risk Reduction Rules, 2007, call for a fire safety audit of workplaces at least once a year by an approved fire safety auditor. Some sites also review fire safety after major changes. Confirm current requirements with your auditor.
The statutory audit must be carried out and signed by a fire safety auditor approved under Kenyan occupational safety law. GS TechGuard provides audit support, inspection, gap reports and corrective works, alongside your auditor.
Prepare your fire safety policy, the previous audit report and actions, fire alarm and emergency lighting records, extinguisher service records, drill and training records and floor plans showing escape routes.
The auditor issues a report with findings and recommendations. You should act on each one, assign responsibility and keep evidence, because the next audit will review progress.
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