NAIROBI, Kenya — The Nairobi County Government has approved a Disaster Management Policy and an Emergency Response Bill, marking a major step toward addressing long-standing gaps in the city’s preparedness and coordination during emergencies.
The decision was reached during a Cabinet meeting chaired by Governor Johnson Sakaja, with the county executive resolving to fast-track the proposed legislation to the County Assembly for consideration.
County officials said the reforms are intended to shift Nairobi away from reactive, ad hoc crisis management toward a structured disaster risk management framework.
The move follows repeated incidents of urban fires, flash floods, building collapses, and public health emergencies, which have frequently overwhelmed Nairobi’s response systems, resulting in loss of life and property.
If passed, the proposed law will establish a 24-hour Emergency Operations Centre, borough-based rapid response units, and a Nairobi Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (NADEMA) to coordinate disaster preparedness, response, and mitigation across the county.
The Bill further requires the county to publish a comprehensive disaster preparedness plan within 60 days of enactment. The plan must detail available emergency assets, including fire engines, ambulances, rescue boats, and designated shelters in all boroughs.
Other measures outlined in the policy include mandatory risk assessments, mapping of flood-prone areas, regular building safety audits, and the use of technology-enabled community alert systems to warn residents of impending risks.
Emergency drills in public institutions would also become compulsory.
Speaking after the Cabinet meeting, Governor Sakaja said the proposed reforms aim to prevent avoidable disasters through better planning and coordination.
“Nairobi cannot continue reacting after lives and livelihoods have already been lost. This law focuses on preparation, coordination, and prevention,” Sakaja said.
He added that NADEMA would consolidate emergency response functions under a single command structure, improving response times and accountability during incidents.
The Bill also proposes the creation of a County Disaster Management Fund, financed through budgetary allocations, private sector contributions, and donations. The fund would enable rapid mobilisation of resources during emergencies.
Under the proposed framework, the Governor would be granted limited emergency powers during a declared disaster, including issuing evacuation orders and authorising expedited procurement.
County officials said these powers would be exercised subject to constitutional safeguards, legislative oversight, and accountability mechanisms.
Officials argue that the reforms will improve emergency response times, strengthen enforcement of building and land-use standards, and enhance public awareness of disaster preparedness, with a strong emphasis on risk reduction before crises occur.
The Bill now heads to the County Assembly, where its passage could redefine how Nairobi prepares for and responds to disasters in an increasingly vulnerable urban environment.
