About Directorate of Disaster Management
The Directorate of Disaster Risk Management, Conflict Resolution, and Peace Building is pivotal in coordinating disaster risk management (DRM) operations in the County. This involves collaborative efforts with various sectors and development partners in implementing DRM interventions. The primary focus of the county's DRM efforts is on disaster risk reduction (DRR) with an emphasis on shifting from traditional disaster response to comprehensive risk reduction and preparedness.
Disaster Risk Reduction County Focus:
-
Paradigm Shift: The County has successfully transitioned from conventional disaster response to comprehensive risk reduction and preparedness culture.
-
Strengthening DRM: Substantial progress has been made in enhancing the county's DRM system through capacity building and improved coordination.
-
Holistic Approach: DRM is effectively approached through a multi-stakeholder and multi-sectoral platform that includes County departments, NGOs, Academic and Technical Institutions, the Private sector, Media, and Donors. This collaboration has resulted in more strategic and scientific risk management.
-
Mainstreaming: Risk reduction has been successfully integrated into the broader development agenda, resulting in more resilient communities.
-
Investment for Resilience: The County has increased its social, economic, and environmental investments to the tune of Ksh 400,000,000, significantly strengthening resilience to disasters.
Other Areas of Focus:
-
Climate Change & Disaster Risk: Climate change's significant contribution to disasters like drought and floods is now being mitigated through resilience-building activities.
-
Coordination of DRM Actions: The county government, through the Directorate of Disaster Risk Reduction, has efficiently coordinated all response and recovery operations, rendering them inclusive and accessible, thus enhancing efficiency and effectiveness.
-
Disaster Contingency Planning: The county DRM unit, with development partner support, periodically prepares multi-sectoral contingency plans. These plans provide a legal framework for disaster response, ensuring timely and appropriate assistance.
-
Support to Vulnerable Groups: The County Emergency Fund, established under the PFM Act of 2012 and emergency fund regulation of 2018, has been instrumental in supporting vulnerable groups during emergencies.
During the unfortunate times of crisis or emergencies however, this directorate plays the lead role in coordinating response efforts. It ensures effective communication, resource mobilization, and collaborative action among various stakeholders to mitigate the impact of crises like droughts, floods, locust invasions, landslides, thereby enhancing public safety.