The County government of Uasin Gishu and the Kenya Red Cross are currently in the process of having engagements to create a structured framework for joint action in various areas particularly focusing on disaster management and enhancing community response efforts.
During an engagement at the Uasin Gishu County Executive Member of Roads Eng Joseph Lagat, representatives from the two entities discussed at length the necessity for the creation of a fire and disaster management bill and the establishment of a disaster management hub in Uasin Gishu.
This initiative together with the bill will promote community-based disaster preparedness initiatives, empowering residents to actively participate in disaster management, help resource mobilization efforts, enhance response to disasters, and equip fighters hence enabling the devolved unit to achieve its goals as envisioned by Governor Dr. Jonathan Bii in his agenda number six under Nguzo Kumi manifesto.
“As a county, we are ready to partner with other stakeholders and we are in the process of identifying a public utility land to set up a disaster management hub. We are very ready to partner with Kenya Red Cross and other stakeholders to achieve this objective,” Eng Lagat stated.
Apart from helping ease coordination between stakeholders, resource mobilization, and enhancing compliance, the new laws enacted by the County assembly will strengthen partnerships for response to disasters, prevention and humanitarian support to victims of any disaster.
The Kenya Red Cross Uasin Gishu county Coordinator Alice Njari said the establishment of a Disaster Management Bill will provide a structured approach to prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery efforts within the county and beyond its boundaries.
“As you are aware, Governor Jonathan Bii is the patron of Kenya Red Cross in Uasin Gishu county, therefore this county is a strategic partner for us in matters of disaster management,” she said.
Roads Chief Officer Geoffrey Kirwa Tanui, Directors Lazarus Sile (Fire and Disaster Management), and Mark Tarus (Administration) were present.
