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{
    "id": 1155053,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1155053/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 495,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Limuru, JP",
    "speaker_title": "Hon. Peter Mwathi",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 104,
        "legal_name": "Peter Mungai Mwathi",
        "slug": "peter-mwathi"
    },
    "content": "of disaster risk management activities. Its main object, among others, is the provision of a legislative framework for disaster management and to enhance effective and coordinated disaster preparedness, prevention, response, mitigation and recovery. That has not been coordinated before, hence the need for a legal framework. It further seeks to establish an institutional framework on disaster risk management, which includes Intergovernmental Council on Disaster Risk management at the apex. The same will be cascaded down to counties so that we have units that coordinate with the Council. The history of disaster management in this country shows that it is not viewed as an integral part of planning. If not so, then those who plan may have had oversight on the need to plan. Disasters can strike at any time. They have stricken before and they keep striking. Somehow we only use administrative procedures to address issues that arise out of a disaster. Let me cite two occasions. In 1999 to 2001, there was a severe drought across the country, which gave rise to various initiatives. The Kenya food security meetings were formulated to address the issue of food security. It is important to note that Kenya’s preparedness in terms of response to disasters has been challenged by lack of a harmonised policy, legislative and institutional framework, inadequate capacity and reactive rather than proactive approach to disaster management. The situation is further aggravated by the fact that there are various institutions dealing with disaster management and related activities in the name of Ministries, Departments, Agencies (MDAs) and some specialised Semi-Autonomous Government Agencies (SAGAs) and the county governments. Some of the agencies, for the benefit of Members, are the National Disaster Management Unit (NDMU), National Disaster Operations Centre (NDOC) and National Drought Management Authority (NDMA). All these efforts are not coordinated and it is very important to bring them under one legal framework and policy. That will be properly coordinated by agencies that will also have inter-linkages to address issues that arise therein. In considering the Bill, the Committee noted that in recent years the frequency and magnitude of disasters that develop from natural and manmade hazards have continued to rise. Currently, we all know that we are experiencing drought, which is part of the disasters in this country. It needs a properly planned approach which can be done by such a body that is being proposed to be created by this legislation. The enactment of this law will immediately inform transformational change in disaster risk management in the country through, among others, the following: 1. Harmonisation of policy, legislative and institutional frameworks. The fact that there will be only one national institution charged with the responsibility of disaster risk management will create order and bring about concerted approaches towards disaster risk management. This will strengthen disaster risk governance for the effective management of disaster risks. 2. Recognising the importance of effective coordination and communication, which was lacking previously, at all levels and among all stakeholders. This will promote an understanding of disaster risks and encourage a multiagency approach to disaster risk management. 3. The Act will be the premise upon which the Government will inform investment in disaster risk reduction for resilience. We may ask ourselves: How much has the Government invested in disaster risk management? The amount has been given to so many institutions that you cannot even put a figure to it. Each of The electronic version of the Official Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor."
}