In response to the escalating impact of natural disasters and the need for a more comprehensive approach to disaster management, the President of Kenya, William Samoei Ruto, has issued an executive order amending the mandate and name of the National Steering Committee on Drought Response. The committee will now be known as the National Steering Committee on Disaster Response (NSCDR). This change reflects the expanded scope and increased responsibilities of the committee in managing a wide range of disasters affecting the country.
Key Changes and Expanded Mandate
1. Name Change and Scope Expansion
The National Steering Committee on Drought Response has been renamed the National Steering Committee on Disaster Response (NSCDR). This change acknowledges the broader range of natural calamities that the committee will address, beyond droughts, including floods, fires, landslides, and earthquakes.
2. Enhanced Resource Mobilization
The NSCDR will enhance its efforts to mobilize resources to support national emergency responses. This includes coordinating with private sector stakeholders and operating the newly renamed National Disaster Response Appeal Fund under the Kenya Red Cross. This fund will play a crucial role in gathering and distributing resources swiftly during disasters.
3. Comprehensive Relief Activities
The committee will implement various relief activities aimed at cushioning affected populations from the adverse effects of natural calamities. These activities include cash transfer programs to provide immediate financial relief to those in need and other forms of support to ensure the safety and recovery of affected communities.
4. Strengthening National Resilience
In collaboration with both national and county governments, the NSCDR will focus on strengthening Kenya’s capacity for resilient recovery. This involves protecting development gains from recurrent disasters and enhancing the country’s overall preparedness and response mechanisms.
5. Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation
A significant part of the committee’s expanded mandate includes developing a framework for private sector involvement in climate change mitigation and adaptation. This will be anchored in national policy and legislation and will encompass actions such as regenerating riparian zones and restoring degraded biodiversity sites.
Committee Membership and Operations
The membership of the NSCDR includes prominent leaders from various sectors, reflecting a broad and inclusive approach to disaster management. Key members are as follows:
Peter Ndegwa – CEO, Safaricom Plc (Chairperson)
James Mwangi (Dr.) – CEO, Equity Group Holdings Limited
Shamaz Savani – CEO, African Banking Corporation Bank
Paul Rushdie Russo – CEO, Kenya Commercial Bank Group
Jane Karuku – CEO, East African Breweries Limited
Joshua Chepkwony – CEO, Jamii Telecommunications Limited
Crispin Acholla – CEO, British American Tobacco
Edwins Mukabanah – CEO, Kenya Bus Service Management Ltd
Patricia Mugambi Ndegwa – CEO, Impact Philanthropy Africa
Krishma Jitesh Chavda – CEO, Isha Foundation
Hared Hassan (Lt. Col. Rtd.) – CEO, National Drought Management Authority
Pankaj Shah – CEO, Team Pankaj
Linus Kaikai – Kenya Editors Guild
Agnes Kalekye – Media Owners Association
Gloria Ndekei – CEO, Kenya Private Sector Alliance Foundation
Anthony G. Mwangi – CEO, Kenya Association of Manufacturers
Gideon Muriuki – CEO, Co-operative Bank of Kenya Limited
Dhanji Laxmanbhai Bhimji – CEO, Laxcon Group Limited
Martin R. Ochieng – CEO, Sasini Plc
Susan Chomba (Dr.) – World Resources Institute
Toseef Din (Dr.) – CEO, M.P. Shah Hospital
Rita Kavashe – CEO, Isuzu Motors East Africa Limited
Nancy Njau – CEO, Family Bank Kenya Limited
Ahmed Irshad Idris – Secretary-General, Kenya Red Cross
Stephen Jackson (Dr.) – Chairperson, Development Partnership Forum
Wakenya Tulindane—Together, let’s build a resilient Kenya.
The NSCDR invites all Kenyans and stakeholders to join in supporting these vital initiatives. By working together, we can mitigate the impact of natural disasters, support affected communities, and build a stronger, more resilient nation.
