Assessing the impact of devolution on the emergency management system (EMS) in Kenya

Abstract

This study advocates for a cohesive legal and regulatory framework to rectify the disjointed state of emergency management in Kenya. It comprehensively surveys existing literature, such as scholarly articles, laws, policies, and institutional structures, using a desk review method to identify gaps and suggest solutions. The study indicates that Kenya's current emergency management system is not functioning effectively due to unclear lines of responsibility between the national and county governments, as well as inconsistent funding for disaster management. This approach leads to poorly planned interventions that only happen when there is an emergency. The proposed framework is based on Article 4 of the Kenyan Constitution, which says that Kenya is a sovereign, multi-party democratic state that follows national principles of governance. These values outlined in Article 10 comprise the rule of law, democracy, public participation, human dignity, social justice, and long-term growth. All these aspects are important for an emergency response system that works well and respects people's rights. The study argues that Kenya can meet its constitutional obligation to safeguard human rights and deliver public services by establishing a cohesive framework that delineates standards for command authority, funding mechanisms, and communication protocols across all tiers of government. This framework would make emergency responses more coordinated and effective by getting national and county governments, as well as non-governmental organizations, involved. It would also protect core values and rights, such as the right to life and access to emergency services for all citizens.