LOCAL RISK REDUCTION INITIATIVE: CASE OF KAKAMEGA, KENYA MAGOMA SHALOM M shalommagoma@gmail.

com +254725885073 Introduction: Kakamega is the administrative headquarter of western province in Kenya. It has a population of over 70,000 living basically in and within the periphery of the town. The town is confronted by various Hazards including but not limited to: fires. Urban floods, non-motorized1 transport accidents, disease and environmental degradation. These events pose a risk to lives, property, infrastructure and livelihoods predominantly. Evidently, this necessitates for disaster risk reduction initiatives at local level, scaling down from other initiatives at international, regional and national ranks. Risk reduction initiatives: One of the main strategies in reducing disaster risk is involving partners engaged in disaster management both locally and regionally. Hyogo framework of action in priorities one and five stipulates action points of ensuring risk reduction is a national and local priority; and that strengthening capacity is integrated at all level of administrative management respectively. This prompted the Center for Disaster Management and Humanitarian Affairs-CDMHA- Of Masinde Muliro University in collaboration with other stakeholders-Municipal Council, Kenya red cross, The fire department and students in disaster management to actively and energetically came together to prepare a public function. This was focused at increasing awareness on disaster risk reduction in the town. The methodology adopted in the dissemination of information was: practical demonstration on firefighting skill, a procession through town and an exhibition on basic first aid techniques. Speeches were also delivered, objectively oriented to giving a background on the rationale of the Disaster Risk Reduction campaign. This event was organized to run concurrently with the International Day for Disaster Reduction that was on the 13 th of October 2010. This localized initiative was held in Muliro gardens
1 These-Bodaboda- provide transport means within and around town.

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in Kakamega town. Participants present were drawn from the public, municipal council, provincial administration and students especially from CDMHA. The key objectives of the discourse were: a) to increase awareness in the public on the risk that they face, b) bring to light the key partners and stakeholders involved in disaster management in the town, c) equip the community (public) with basis fire and first aid skills and d) to take disaster management initiative to the local level. Results achieved Coordination of events by key partners increased the networking and information sharing between and among the partners. The public was educated on the responses required especially as regards fire disaster and accidents in the town In accordance to the HFA action point one and five disaster risk reduction was made a local priority and events were driven by the resident of town Major risks that face the town were brought to light especially fire that causes damage mostly business premises in the town. Students were dynamically involved in the dissemination of DRR information to the public. Lessons learnt during the event More campaigns geared towards disaster risk reduction are necessary especially in the periphery of the town since many are not aware of the risk they face. Thorough the fire drill performed, it was evident that a larger fire fighting engine is needed. This was from the recommendation of the members of the public present, More stakeholders and partners are required in the campaign geared towards risk reduction in the region. Not many organization are openly willing to be involved in activities with other organizations- especially if the have a competitive mentality. Documentation of Risk, Hazards and Disaster is necessary.

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Approaches to public education should be varied to help capture other group like those in the offices and periphery of the town.

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PICTORIAL

Students at the procession rally point in the University Picture by: Magoma Shalom, 13th October 2010

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Kakamega town fire brigade preparing for a demonstration during the International Disaster Risk Reduction Day Picture by: Magoma Shalom. 13th October 2010

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Students and Staff pose for a Photo after the event. Picture by: Magoma Shalom, 13th October 2010

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An officer from the Public Works Department Demonstrating Fire fighting skill during the Event Picture by: Shalom Magoma, 13 th October 2010

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Students from Masinde Muliro University in Kakamega during the procession round Kakamega town Picture By: Shalom Magoma 13th October 2010

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