Assembly works out law on disasters and emergencies

Nairobi county Deputy Governor Jonathan Mueke[PHOTO: WILLIS AWANDU/STANDARD]

A bill seeking to improve the county's response to disaster and emergencies is set to be debated in the assembly.

Set for its third reading, the Disaster and Management Response Bill, 2015 seeks to establish a disaster and management council to be chaired by the deputy governor.

The bill intends to among other things ensure there is a disaster management kitty that will act as a one-stop-shop for and emergencies.

Sarangombe MCA Pius Otieno said the bill was timely given that not a week passes without a fire incident in his ward.

"Mr Speaker, Kenyans have been victims of either natural, man-made or disasters caused by negligence and this bill will enable the county to be prepared for any emergency," he said.

The bill will entrust the management council with the role of identifying buildings and places, which can be used as relief centres or camps in case of disasters, as well as make arrangements for water supply and sanitation of such places.

The council will be expected to regularly report to the assembly on the status of preparedness in responding to disasters and emergencies.