NDMU urges disaster risk reduction in development planning
NDMU said financing resilience should be treated as a development priority rather than an optional undertaking or an expense.
Nakuru, Kenya - The National Disaster Management Unit (NDMU) has urged disaster risk reduction to be incorporated into development planning and investment, warning that projects disregarding potential hazards could place communities at greater risk. NDMU Director Dr Duncan Onyango emphasized that financing resilience should be treated as a priority development goal, rather than an optional expense.
Decisions on housing, land use, drainage, roads, bridges, schools, and markets should be informed by reliable risk data to ensure development gains are not jeopardized by disasters. During the national celebration of the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction at Nyayo Gardens in Nakuru, Onyango advocated for stronger development controls, protection of environmentally sensitive areas, biodiversity conservation, and resilient construction.
Investments should aim to foster safer settlements and sustainable livelihoods, rather than introduce new risks for communities. Onyango also emphasized the importance of strengthening early warning systems, ensuring risk information reaches the public in a timely, understandable, and accessible manner. Communities must know how to respond, seek assistance, and protect themselves from harm.
During the three-day 12th National Symposium for Disaster Risk Reduction, stakeholders discussed ways to enhance disaster management approaches. Onyango called for sustained investment in multi-hazard early warning systems, impact-based forecasting, community communication, anticipatory action, and preparedness measures. Communities should play a central role in risk reduction, as they possess valuable knowledge of their environments, vulnerabilities, and coping mechanisms.
Their participation should extend beyond receiving information or assistance to actively identifying risks, shaping solutions, and monitoring progress. Governor Susan Kihika expressed her administration's commitment to enhancing weather monitoring, public advisories, drainage maintenance, and coordination with emergency response agencies to reduce flood risks.
Illegal structures built over drainage channels will be demolished without notice. The commemoration reinforced the importance of integrating disaster preparedness into everyday development decisions, increasing community participation, and ensuring infrastructure investments account for the risks faced by vulnerable populations.
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