From Vision to Reality: The Journey of Kilifi County’s Disaster Risk Management Policy
By Kevin Mutuku
In 2012, with the advent of Kenya’s new political era and the promulgation of the 2010 Constitution, Kilifi County recognized an urgent need. This was the need for a comprehensive Disaster Risk Management (DRM) Policy, aiming to establish a robust legal and policy framework to guide effective disaster management within the county. The journey began in 2016, when the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), through the Consolidating Gains and Deepening Devolution in Kenya project, stepped in to provide essential support.
Laying Strong Foundations for Disaster Risk Management Policy
The initial phase saw the development of the first draft of the Kilifi County DRM Policy, crafted in collaboration with the National Drought Management Authority. Experts from the Kenya Law Reform Commission (KLRC), the Kenya Institute of Public Policy Research and Analysis (KIPPRA), and the National Disaster Operation Centre facilitated this pivotal workshop. Participants included officers from county government departments, non-governmental organizations, faith-based organizations, and community members, all united by a common goal: to create a resilient framework for disaster management.
Fast forward to 2018, the Kilifi County Government sought additional support from UNDP to develop a policy implementation framework. This marked a significant step forward, highlighting the county’s commitment to refining and finalizing the DRM policy. Numerous collaborative efforts ensued, involving public participation through the County Steering Group and engagement with stakeholders such as the Kenya Red Cross, ActionAid, and Islamic Relief Kenya. These interactions ensured that the policy was not just a document but a reflection of the community’s needs and insights.
Reaching Milestones: Finalizing and Adopting the Kilifi County DRM Policy
December 2023 was a milestone. The final draft of the Kilifi County DRM Policy was completed, supported by UNDP through the Strengthening Disaster Risk Governance and Recovery Capacities Project. This stage was crucial as it integrated comprehensive feedback from public participation, ensuring the policy was inclusive and representative. County Executive Committee members and Members of the County Assembly of Kilifi County were sensitized on the DRM policy, with technical facilitation by KLRC and KIPPRA officers. Hon. Ruth Dama Masha, the CECM responsible for Disaster Risk Management in Kilifi County, played a pivotal role by drafting and submitting a cabinet memo to the county cabinet. This memo led to the DRM Policy’s approval and adoption by the Cabinet on June 20, 2024.
Making Strides Towards a Resilient Future for Kilifi County
Kilifi County’s journey to establish a comprehensive DRM policy underscores the importance of sustained collaboration, public participation, and dedicated support from various partners. This narrative is not just about policy development; it’s a testament to the power of collective effort and the unwavering commitment to resilience. Through the continued support of UNDP and the dedication of various stakeholders, Kilifi County is making significant strides towards a resilient and effective disaster risk management system.
This journey highlights a critical lesson: the importance of learning from the past, listening to the present, and planning for the future. The collaborative process involved in developing the DRM policy reflects a deep understanding that effective disaster management requires more than just technical solutions. It demands an inclusive approach that considers the unique needs and voices of the community. By integrating public feedback and involving diverse stakeholders, Kilifi County is setting a precedent for how local governance can address complex challenges through comprehensive and inclusive policy frameworks.
This blog offers a glimpse into how Kilifi County is building a resilient future, one policy step at a time, showcasing the transformative power of inclusive and participatory governance.
About the author
Kevin Mutuku is a Project Officer at UNDP Kenya.
The views expressed in this post are those of the authors and in no way reflect those of UNDP.
About the Strengthening Disaster Risk Governance and Recovery Capacities project:
The Strengthening Disaster Risk Governance and Recovery Capacities project, funded by the European Union, is a collaborative effort between United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the European Union (EU), the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), and the Organization of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS). This joint program is dedicated to enhancing disaster risk governance, strengthening recovery capacities, and building resilience in vulnerable communities. By scaling-up community-based disaster risk reduction, enhancing capacity building activities, and conducting post-disaster needs assessments, the project aims to pave the way for a safer and more resilient future for communities facing disasters.
