By P, KNA
West Pokot County has unveiled an Emergency Operations Center (EOC) in Kapenguria town, in a significant step toward enhancing disaster preparedness and resilience in the region.
The facility marks a major milestone in the county’s long-standing battle against the devastating effects of perennial disasters such as floods, landslides and droughts that have repeatedly upended lives, destroyed livelihoods and left communities grappling with immense hardships.
The inauguration ceremony was led by Governor Simon Kachapin and the Secretary General of the Kenya Red Cross Society, Dr. Ahmed Idris who assured the county of the organization’s continued support.
The center, which will be managed by the County Disaster Risk Management Unit in collaboration with the Kenya Red Cross Society, is designed to serve as a centralized hub for real-time risk monitoring, multi-agency coordination and rapid response during emergencies.
“This facility is not just a building. It is a symbol of our collective determination to shift from reactive crisis management to proactive resilience-building,” said Governor Kachapin.
“Too often, our people have borne the brunt of disasters with limited warning and minimal coordination. Today, we take a bold step toward changing that reality,” he said.
The EOC brings together government agencies, humanitarian organizations, health services and community leaders under one roof to ensure swift and well-coordinated responses.
It also aims to improve early warning systems and disaster education at the grassroots level, empowering local communities with timely information and preparedness strategies.
Governor Kachapin called upon development partners, civil society, faith-based organizations and every citizen to join hands in building a safer, more resilient West Pokot.
“We must embrace a culture of shared responsibility where data, resources and local knowledge converge to create systems that protect our people, especially the most vulnerable,” he emphasised.
Dr. Idris of the Kenya Red Cross echoed the sentiments, highlighting the importance of community-centered approaches in disaster risk reduction.
“The people of West Pokot are not just victims of disaster. They are partners in resilience. This center must serve their needs, hear their voices and support their capacity to respond,” he explained.
Kachapin also lauded the Kenya Red Cross who in 2019 and 2020, when landslides destroyed homes and lives helped in rebuilding 225 homes, drilling boreholes, supporting health centers, and helping families with dignity. They responded to emergencies, brought water closer, and offered hope through peacebuilding and healing programs.
As climate-related emergencies become more frequent and intense, the EOC represents a beacon of hope, a tangible commitment to safeguarding lives and livelihoods through inclusive, coordinated and forward-looking disaster management.
