International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS) | Volume VI, Issue VII, July 2022 | ISSN 2454–6186
A Review of Disaster Preparedness and Management Techniques in Kenya
Joseph Owuondo
PhD Student Maseno University, Kenya
Abstract: The study sought to examine disaster preparation, management, and mitigation techniques in Kenya. The study methodology involved literature review of previous studies and the information available to the public on the official government and government departmental websites. The study also reviews the government policies and plans, and legislations that have been put in place by the government and whether or not these policies are suitable for application in real-life situations. Results from the study show that there have been some tremendous efforts taken by different levels of government as well as stakeholders within the country to improve disaster preparedness, management, and mitigation but these could not be fully implemented considering the increase in vulnerability index due to climate change. There are various government policies and departments established under the office of the president under various ministries when as those established through Acts of Parliament, whose goal has been to improve coordination and resource mobilization and deployment towards disaster preparedness, management, and mitigation.
Key words: Disaster preparedness, disaster management, disaster mitigation
I.INTRODUCTION
A disaster is a natural, technological, or human-made event that causes damage of such severity to the environment, society, and the economy of a country that recovery is unlikely. They can result in a great deal of loss, be it of human life, health, and safety, or property. A disaster happen when the risk management is overwhelmed, has failed, or there is not enough mitigation, effective response, and good recovery (Bronfman, Cisternas, Repetto, and Castañeda, 2019). The early signs of a disaster are often the most difficult to identify. Disaster preparedness is the willingness or the process of a person or society to comply with emergency policies and plans. Disaster management refers to activities that are carried out before, during, and after disasters to prevent harm, reduce losses and enhance recovery. In an environment of risk and uncertainty, disaster mitigation can be achieved through disaster prevention and mitigation techniques. Disaster preparedness, management, and mitigation techniques aim to reduce the extent and severity of future disasters by keeping an eye on potentially dangerous situations and responding accordingly (Rosauer and Svirina, 2018). They can include things such as improved communication between government agencies, community alert systems, local emergency plans, safe buildings, and evacuation rehearsals.