The Israeli offer to train Kenyan medical personnel on emergency interventions can only be good news in a country facing more disasters by the day.

Indeed, we are told that at least 4,000 people die every year due to lack of life-saving equipment and knowhow.

Our lack of experience in coping with catastrophes is brought home to us almost daily, especially in cases of road accidents, during which it is common to see huge crowds milling about as a handful of inexperienced rescuers try their best.

Rescue operations can, and often do, turn dangerous in the hands of amateurs, no matter the goodwill. This is why we must take advantage of the Israeli expertise to build a strong network of resource people capable of responding promptly to crises.

The 1998 bomb explosion remains a grim reminder of the need to spruce up our disaster management skills and equipment. Kenya's officials worked their hearts out to save the lives of many, but it took an Israeli team to assist those stuck deep in the rubble. Their speed and efficiency earned them great admiration.

With the training of medical personnel well in hand, it will be useful for the Government to focus on how these vital skills and knowledge can trickle down.

In many parts of the country, medical personnel are the last to see disaster victims. A significant number of lives could be saved by applying life-saving techniques on site. This is especially true in rural areas, where the nearest hospital may be a long distance away.

Others who could benefit from the kind of knowledge the Israelis have include school managers, the provincial administration, policemen and other state security personnel.

The challenge, for those who have already gone through the process, is not to wait for the Israelis to train every other Kenyan. They should be able to pass on the knowledge to their colleagues.

But, of course, this will only work if the right equipment is available. Ultimately, there is only so much that human skill can achieve. Let's ensure the right training is supported by the right equipment.