The Kenya Red Cross says, that with the increasing frequency and severity of climate-related disasters in the country, there is a need to adopt a proactive approach to disaster response.
In the speech at the Ninth National Climate Outlook Forum (NCOF9) and Action Planning Process for October-November-December (OND) 2024 Short Rains Season, the Kenya Red Cross, Secretary General Dr. Ahmed Idriss says that proactive measures are effective as they help to mitigated the impact of disasters as well empower communities to take control of their futures.
In the speech read for him by Kenya Red Cross Regional Manager, Dr. Michael Aiyabei at the meeting themed: Proactive Early Warning Systems for Climate Risks Reduction” that will lead to the release of the Short Rains seasonal forecast, Dr. Idriss said there is need for immediate attention on the Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASAL) regions.
He noted that the drought of 2020 to 2022, marked by five consecutive failed rainy seasons, was a key reminder of the levels of vulnerability adding that cyclic disasters from drought to floods calls for anticipatory action to help save lives, protect livelihoods, and reduce the costs associated with disaster response.
The Kenya Red Cross Secretary General argues that there is need to pivot towards proactive and anticipatory actions that enhance resilience and mitigate the impact of climate hazards.
He notes that while Kenya’s Anticipatory Action Roadmap is aligned to global frameworks such as the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, “which emphasizes the importance of understanding disaster risk and strengthening disaster risk governance,” there is need to also align response to African Union’s Agenda 2063, which envisions a prosperous and resilient Africa as well as the IGAD Drought Disaster Resilience and Sustainability Initiative, which underscores the importance of building resilience in the face of recurrent droughts.
“These frameworks provide us with a blueprint for action, and it is our responsibility to ensure that we integrate these principles into our national and local strategies,” he says and adds, “the journey towards a resilient Kenya is one that we cannot undertake alone.”
He calls for partnerships, both technical and strategic, with state and non-state actors, including community-based infrastructures, adding that there is a need to also utilize indigenous knowledge, “Integrating this wisdom with scientific research provides us with a holistic approach to disaster risk management,” he says and add, “This synergy between traditional practices and modern science is key to developing interventions that are both effective and culturally relevant.”
He noted that the Kenya Red Cross vision is to help build a resilient Kenya where anticipatory action is embedded in the disaster risk management policies, strategies, and systems. “We are committed to safeguarding lives and livelihoods by enabling timely and effective responses to forecasted hazards,” he added.
