Nairobi Cabinet Approves Bill to Set Up 24-Hour Emergency Operations Centre
The decision was made during a Cabinet meeting chaired by Governor Johnson Sakaja, with the county executive resolving to fast-track the proposed legislation to the County Assembly. The move marks a shift from reactive crisis management to a more structured disaster risk management framework
By : Mweru Mbugua
The Nairobi County Cabinet has approved a Disaster Management Policy and an Emergency Response Bill that seeks to strengthen the city’s preparedness and coordination during emergencies
The decision was made during a Cabinet meeting chaired by Governor Johnson Sakaja, with the county executive resolving to fast-track the proposed legislation to the County Assembly. The move marks a shift from reactive crisis management to a more structured disaster risk management framework
The proposed reforms come amid recurring urban disasters, including fires, flash floods, building collapses and public health emergencies, which have repeatedly exposed weaknesses in Nairobi’s emergency response systems and led to loss of life and property
If enacted, the Bill will establish a 24-hour Emergency Operations Centre, borough-based rapid response units, and a Nairobi Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (NADEMA). The authority will be tasked with coordinating disaster preparedness, response and mitigation across the county
The legislation also requires the county government to publish a comprehensive disaster preparedness plan within 60 days of its enactment. The plan will outline available emergency resources such as fire engines, ambulances, rescue boats and designated shelters across all boroughs
Additional measures proposed under the policy include mandatory risk assessments, mapping of flood-prone areas, routine building safety audits, and the use of technology-driven community alert systems to warn residents of imminent dangers. Regular emergency drills in public institutions would also become compulsory
Speaking after the meeting, Governor Sakaja said the reforms are aimed at preventing 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,” he said
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The Governor added that NADEMA would unify emergency response under a single command structure to improve response times during incidents
The Bill further proposes the establishment of a County Disaster Management Fund, financed through budgetary allocations, private sector contributions and donations, to allow rapid mobilisation of resources during emergencies. In the event of a declared disaster, the Governor would have limited emergency powers, including issuing evacuation orders and fast-tracking procurement, subject to constitutional safeguards and oversight
County officials say the proposed reforms are expected to improve emergency response times, strengthen enforcement of building and land-use standards, and enhance public awareness on disaster preparedness, with a strong focus on reducing risks before emergencies occur
