This year’s International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction (IDDRR), designated for 13th October by the United Nations General Assembly, to promote a global culture of disaster risk reduction was held in Kakamega county attracting several key stakeholders and humanitarian actors.
The celebrations were preceded by the 8th national symposium on Disaster Risk Reduction which focused on target G of the Sendai framework “substantially increase the availability of and access to multi-hazard early warning systems and disaster risk information and assessments to people by 2030”.
The Symposium brought together DRR practitioners, academia, local communities, UN representatives and others from across the country to share their achievements, challenges and innovations in implementing DRR measures on national and local levels, that support the growth of community resilience in Kenya.
In attendance were Kakamega Governor Hon Fernandes Barasa and other key government stakeholders who promised to support the efforts of various entities especially humanitarian organizations in advocating for disaster risk reduction.
During the symposium, the Kenya Red Cross (KRCS) Deputy Secretary General, Ms. Annette Msabeni, presented her opening remarks where she discussed; The importance of enhancing early action, “If communities are supported early, they can act early to mitigate losses from impacts of impending disasters”. Other Red Cross Society staff who gave keynote presentations include Dr. Michael Ayabei and Mr. Peter Murgor, CVA Manager who gave powerful remarks on Experiences and good practices in Early warning for Early Action.
Other representatives from Kenya Red Cross Society, UNDRR, NDOC, KMD, NDMU, IOM and other entities also gave their key highlight presentations.
In celebration of the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction, a procession of delegates, key stakeholders and other community members marched to Bukhungu Stadium, Kakamega County where representatives from humanitarian organizations, government institutions and other Disaster Risk partners reiterated their commitment to Disaster Risk in support of community resilience in Kenya.
