Strategic Use of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) in Disaster/Crisis Management in Kenya
- October 1, 2019
- Posted by: RSIS
- Categories: IJRISS, Social Science
International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS) | Volume III, Issue IX, September 2019 | ISSN 2454–6186
Joshua K. Kwonyike, John M. Momanyi
Bomet University College, Bomet, Kenya
Abstract:-In this paper an attempt has been made to highlight the role of Information and communications technology in management of natural and man-made disasters in Kenya. In this age of technology, it is easier to manage natural and man-made disasters. The disasters outlined in this paper include floods, hurricanes, earthquakes, tsunamis, landslides, genocides, wars, workplace fires, and terrorism among others. Disasters can be managed using a number of features of Information and communications technology (ICT). ICT can be used in disaster prevention, mitigation and management. Advancements in ICT in form of radio, TV, telephone, SMS, satellite radio, sirens, cell broadcasting, drones, or the internet can help in a great deal in planning and reduction of hazards reduction measures. It is necessary for individuals and organisations have some degree of preparedness in terms of preparedness plans, early warning system, equipment and machinery that can be deployed for disaster response and mitigation.
Key words: Disaster management, Crisis management, application of Information and communications technology in disaster/crisis management, Risks of information and communications technology
I. INTRODUCTION
Disasters affect humanity in many ways. This is mainly been in the form of natural and human made. According to UNISDR (2017) a natural disaster is defined as a major adverse event resulting from natural processes of the Earth; examples include floods, hurricanes, cyclones, tornadoes, volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, tsunamis, landslides, and other geologic processes. Human-made disaster is a disastrous event caused directly and principally by one or more identifiable deliberate or negligent human actions and this includes genocides, wars, workplace fires, terrorism, and cyber-terrorism.
