National Disaster Risk Management Policy 2017

Abstract

The aim of the DRM Policy is to “Build a safe and disaster-resilient nation through establishment of a robust Disaster Risk Management system that contributes to and protects the achievements of Kenya’s national development”. The overall objective of the policy is to substantially reduce natural and human-induced disaster risk and associated losses in social, economic and environmental assets at National and County levels through the establishment of an integrated multi-hazard DRM approach. To respond to this challenge, the Government of Kenya, with the support of development and Humanitarian partners and other stakeholders, has developed this Disaster Risk Management Policy. To be effective this Policy is intended to achieve a participatory, impartial, transparent and useful DRM framework by providing for enactment of an enabling comprehensive legislative framework, which lays down the legal foundation for collaborative partnership in institutional participatory management of disasters, including mobilization of the essential wide range of resources necessary for management of all disasters. The Policy also recognizes the urgency to provide for effective management of the increasing disasters and risks in the Country by taking into account National, Regional and International frameworks and allows for the integration and mainstreaming of disaster risk management in all Sectoral planning and Development. This Policy further proposes the establishment of a Disaster Risk Management Cadre to bring about professionalism and attract well-trained personnel in the field of DRM, and calls for continuous monitoring, evaluation, analysis, research, storage and application of an effective database for management of disasters in the Country.