Kiambu County Government has joined forces with the Kenya Red Cross Society (KRCS) to strengthen disaster preparedness and response in the county.
The two parties signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) at the governor’s Office, laying the groundwork for closer collaboration in managing emergencies.
The MOU, signed by Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi and Kenya Red Cross Secretary General Dr. Ahmed Idris, centres on key areas such as disaster risk reduction, contingency planning, and resource mobilization.
“The partnership agreement, signed between myself and Kenya Red Cross Society Secretary General Dr. Ahmed Idris, focuses on disaster management, which includes proactive approaches, contingency planning to ensure consistent and high-quality disaster response, as well as resource mobilization.” Wamatangi said
The collaboration aims to ensure the county is better equipped to handle disasters like floods and fires while improving how emergencies are managed on the ground.
Wamatangi was also inaugurated as the Kiambu County Red Cross Patron during the event whereby he expressed his enthusiasm for the new role.
“I have taken up this task with excitement and I promise to oversee strategic leadership that will improve our activities,” he said.
Kiambu County has faced its fair share of challenges in disaster management over the years, from flash floods and fires to road accidents.
Limited resources and gaps in planning have often slowed down responses, leaving communities vulnerable.
This new partnership is expected to help address those gaps by bringing in the expertise and resources of the Kenya Red Cross, an organization that has supported disaster-hit regions across the country for decades.
The collaboration is said to set a new standard for how disasters are handled locally.
The signing ceremony was attended by key stakeholders, including KRCS Governor and Chair Hon. Geoffrey Korir, KRCS First Deputy Governor Julianne Kamau, Kiambu County Attorney Waithera Waiyaki, and Chief Officer of Intergovernmental Relations Wairimu Wanjaiya.
By Sylvia Wanjohi
