Governor Susan Kihika’s leadership in Nakuru County’s observance of the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction highlights the importance of protecting lives, strengthening emergency preparedness and building communities that can withstand disasters. The occasion provides an opportunity for county leaders, emergency responders, public health officers, environmental agencies and residents to reflect on the measures needed to reduce risks before disasters occur.The International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction is observed every year on October 13. It promotes public awareness of disaster risks and encourages governments, institutions and communities to invest in prevention, preparedness and resilience. For Nakuru County, which has diverse geographical features, growing urban centres, agricultural communities and areas exposed to environmental hazards, disaster risk reduction is an important part of public safety and sustainable development.Governor Susan Kihika joined Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen in leading the national observance of the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction in Nakuru County on October 13, 2026. The celebrations brought attention to the need for stronger emergency preparedness, early-warning systems and coordinated responses to disasters, particularly amid concerns about the expected El Niño-related rains. The County Government of Nakuru had prepared to host the 12th edition of the Disaster Risk Reduction Symposium, scheduled for October 10–13, 2026. According to the Kenya News Agency, the symposium aimed to raise awareness about early warnings and disaster preparedness across the Rift Valley region. County officials said preparations were intended to ensure meaningful outcomes for both national and county governments.

The symposium and the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction celebrations placed Nakuru at the centre of conversations about how Kenya can reduce the risks associated with natural and human-made disasters.One of the key issues highlighted during the Nakuru celebrations was preparedness for the expected El Niño-related rains. Media coverage of the event reported that different groups demonstrated their readiness to respond to emergencies, particularly those associated with the anticipated weather conditions.

Heavy rainfall can create multiple hazards, including flash floods, overflowing rivers, landslides in vulnerable areas, damaged roads and the destruction of homes and crops.The 2026 International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction carries the global theme “Resilience Starts at Home.” The United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction explains that homes are central to disaster resilience because the way houses are located, designed, built and maintained can either reduce or increase vulnerability.

The theme is particularly relevant to communities where homes are constructed near rivers, on unstable slopes or in locations with inadequate drainage.

Poor construction practices and a lack of proper planning can make buildings more vulnerable to heavy rain, flooding and other hazards. Informal settlements may face additional challenges where drainage, sanitation and access roads are inadequate.The County Government of Nakuru identifies community resilience, proactive planning and timely emergency responses as important parts of its disaster management and humanitarian assistance responsibilities. Its official disaster management information highlights the protection of lives, livelihoods and infrastructure from natural and human-made hazards.

These responsibilities are important in a county with a mixture of urban settlements, agricultural areas, transport routes and environmentally sensitive locations.Residents are often the first people to notice signs of an impending disaster. They may observe rising water levels, cracks in the ground, blocked drainage channels or other changes that require immediate attention.

Community participation can therefore strengthen official monitoring and response systems.

Public education campaigns can help people recognise warning signs, report hazards and understand evacuation procedures. Community groups can also support vulnerable households and help ensure that people who need assistance are not left behind.Emergency drills are particularly useful because they allow communities to practise what to do before a real incident occurs. Such exercises can reveal weaknesses in communication, evacuation routes and coordination arrangements.

For disaster preparedness to succeed, residents must receive clear and consistent information about their responsibilities and the support available from authorities.

This approach can also reduce misinformation during emergencies, when rumours and conflicting messages may cause panic or delay necessary action.Disaster risk reduction is also an investment in economic stability.

When roads are damaged, transport becomes more difficult, businesses lose customers and farmers may struggle to deliver produce to markets. Damage to schools and health facilities can interrupt essential services, while the destruction of homes can force families to spend their savings on temporary shelter and rebuilding.Emergency drills are particularly useful because they allow communities to practise what to do before a real incident occurs. Such exercises can reveal weaknesses in communication, evacuation routes and coordination arrangements.

For disaster preparedness to succeed, residents must receive clear and consistent information about their responsibilities and the support available from authorities.

This approach can also reduce misinformation during emergencies, when rumours and conflicting messages may cause panic or delay necessary action.Governor Susan Kihika's participation alongside Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen in the October 13 celebrations placed county leadership and national coordination at the centre of the disaster preparedness agenda. The event also drew attention to the importance of readiness for potential weather-related emergencies. Maintaining drainage systems, inspecting vulnerable infrastructure, improving land-use planning and ensuring that emergency services are adequately prepared can help reduce the effects of hazardous events.

Authorities also need to consider the recovery period after disasters. Families whose homes or livelihoods have been affected may require temporary shelter, clean water, medical assistance and support to resume economic activities.

Planning for recovery before a disaster occurs can help ensure that assistance is delivered more efficiently.

For Nakuru, the broader objective is to ensure that development projects and public investments account for disaster risks rather than inadvertently increasing communities' exposure to hazards.

The lasting value of the occasion will depend on how awareness is translated into practical action.

This includes strengthening early-warning communication, improving emergency response coordination, identifying vulnerable communities, maintaining drainage systems and ensuring that residents know how to protect themselves when danger arises.The International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction reminds Kenyans that preventing disasters is not always about stopping a hazard from occurring. It is also about reducing the likelihood that a hazard will cause widespread loss of life, damage to property or disruption to livelihoods.

For Nakuru County, the message is especially relevant as authorities and residents prepare for possible weather-related challenges.

Ultimately, safer communities begin with preparedness. Through effective planning, public education, reliable warnings and coordinated emergency responses, Nakuru can strengthen its ability to protect families and reduce the devastating effects of disasters.

The October 13 observance was therefore an important opportunity to renew attention to disaster preparedness and reinforce the principle that resilience begins at home but requires collective responsibility across the entire community.