Nairobi, 4th September 2025
Nairobi City County Disaster Management and Coordination Sub-Sector commenced a two day consultative forum to deliberate on the draft Nairobi County Disaster and Emergency Management Bill and Policy that aim to improve the governance framework for disaster management, Strengthen capacity for managing disasters and Build disaster resilience in the community.
The policy lays the foundation for a proactive approach to disaster risk reduction, preparedness, response, and recovery, calling on the Government, communities, Non state actors, and other stakeholders to work together in building a resilient city.
Speaking during the forum, County Chief officer in charge of Disaster management and coordination Mr. Bram Simiyu acknowledged H.E Governor Sakaja’s key contribution as the co- architect of the National Disaster Risk Management Bill of 2019, while serving as the Senator of Nairobi, which laid the foundation for this policy and bill.
He underscored the importance of a robust policy and legislative foundation to guide coordination among stakeholders, streamline emergency response mechanisms, and safeguard the lives and property of Nairobi residents.
“This draft Bill and Policy are expected to provide clear structures for disaster risk reduction, resource mobilization, inter-agency collaboration, and community participation in line with national disaster management frameworks” He said.
“Let’s develop a legal framework that provides for a robust disaster governance structure, ensures effective service delivery and sets a clear scheme of service, one that is both comparable and commensurate with the risks firefighters and disaster workers face. We must also push for operational flexibility that safeguards their welfare,” he added, stressing the importance of sustainable financing.
County officials from various sectors emphasized that once adopted, the new framework will mark a significant step in institutionalizing disaster risk management and ensuring Nairobi is better prepared to respond to emergencies ranging from fires and floods to public health crisis.
The feedback given during the forum will inform the next stages of review and validation before the Bill and Policy are presented to the Cabinet and subsequently forwarded to the County Assembly for debate and approval.
Also present was County Chief officer for Digital Economy and Startups Mr. Sande Oyolo, Directors: Douglas Atamba (Disaster Risk Reduction) Amos Olali (Fire and Rescue services) Truphena Ogonda (ICT infrastructure) Leonard Mititi (vocational training) Mario Kainga(Water) Deputy Directors and assistant director from various Departments.
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