Nyandarua MCAs pass motion to strengthen emergency response

The Nyandarua County Assembly has passed a motion to improve the county’s emergency response services.

The motion, introduced by Engineer ward representative Mwangi Gichuki, directs the county executive to speed up the development and implementation of a comprehensive Emergency Response Policy within 60 days.

This policy is expected to provide clear guidelines for emergency preparedness, response, and recovery.

The Assembly also urged the Department of Roads to collaborate with the Departments of Finance, Economic Planning, and ICT, as well as the County Public Service Board, within 14 days. They are required to submit a detailed report on the funding requirements for the 2025/26 budget.

In their budget proposals, they should include the recruitment of at least three professional divers, the acquisition of ambulances and fire engines, the establishment of a modern communication and dispatch system, and the procurement of rescue equipment and protective gear.

Once budget allocations are made, the Department of Public Service and Disaster Management, in consultation with the County Public Service Board, is required to recruit and train paramedics, firefighters, and disaster management experts within 30 days to ensure adequate staffing across all wards.

Additionally, the County Government is tasked with establishing a fully operational emergency call center that operates around the clock, complete with a toll-free number, within 90 days. This will ensure efficient coordination, real-time monitoring, and deployment of emergency resources.

The motion also calls for partnerships with the National Disaster Management Unit, the Kenya Red Cross, and neighboring counties to enhance capacity building, resource sharing, and conduct joint emergency drills.

The County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Roads, Transport, Energy, and Public Works will be responsible for overseeing the creation of a robust emergency response framework and will submit quarterly progress reports to the County Assembly.

To ensure effective oversight and accountability, the Assembly’s Implementation Committee will closely monitor the implementation of the resolutions outlined in this motion. They will obtain regular updates from the relevant departments and present progress reports to the Assembly.

This approach will help ensure that the commitments made are fulfilled, significantly enhancing the county’s emergency preparedness and response systems.