Disaster management: Uasin Gishu county gov't partners with Kenya Red Cross

Uasin Gishu County government and the Kenya Red Cross have inked a deal aimed at creating a structured framework for disaster management and enhancing community response efforts.

During an engagement at the county headquarters on Wednesday, Uasin Gishu County Executive in charge of Roads Joseph Lagat and representatives from the two(2) 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 Eldoret City.

Eng Lagat said the initiative together with the Bill will promote community-based disaster preparedness initiatives, empowering residents to actively participate in disaster management.

He said this will also help in resource mobilization efforts, enhance response to disasters and equip fighters hence enabling the devolved unit to achieve its goals as envisioned by Governor Jonathan Bii's agenda number six under 'Nguzo Kumi' manifesto.

"Our administration is 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," stated Mr Lagat.

Apart from helping ease coordination between stakeholders, resource mobilisation 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 on her part 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.

"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," said Ms Njari.

Others who attended the forum included Roads Chief Officer Geoffrey Kirwa Tanui, Directors Lazarus Sile (Fire and Disaster Management), and Mark Tarus (Administration).

The North Rift region has in the recent past experienced rampant cases of fires which has resulted to loss of property worth millions and lives.

Uasin Gishu County government has also embarked on implementing a firefighting training program aimed at benefiting both professionals and residents.

The program focuses on technological advancements and other dynamics in emergency response.

According to Uasin Gishu County Chief Fire Officer David Sitati, cases of fire outbreaks have increased, with over 20 incidents reported in January alone.

The objective of the training is to equip individuals with the necessary skills and knowledge to enhance firefighter preparedness for emergency response and fire prevention mechanisms.

"Proper training in firefighting is essential not only for professional firefighters but also for the general public, who may face emergency situations. We want residents to be equipped and understand how to respond effectively to fire emergencies, minimize damages, and save lives," said Mr Sitati.

He said the fire team will continue working with stakeholders to ensure both professionals and residents are equipped with knowledge on using fire extinguishers, fire prevention strategies, fire hose handling, emergency evacuation procedures, search and rescue techniques, first aid, team coordination, and communication, among other critical skills.

"We are focusing on preparedness in emergency response areas such as emergency response plans, regular training and refresher courses, equipment checks and maintenance, mock drills and awareness campaigns to enhance fire and rescue services," stated Mr Sitati.