Nairobi County Cabinet approves Bill to establish 24-hour emergency operations centre

During a Cabinet meeting chaired by Governor Johnson Sakaja, the county executive resolved to fast-track the proposed legislation to the County Assembly, positioning the reforms as a shift toward structured disaster risk management rather than ad hoc crisis response.

The decision comes against the backdrop of repeated urban fires, flash floods, building collapses and public health emergencies that have strained Nairobi’s response systems, often resulting in loss of life and property.

If passed, the new legal framework will establish a 24-hour Emergency Operations Centre, borough-based rapid response units and a Nairobi Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (NADEMA) to coordinate disaster preparedness, response and mitigation across the county.

The Bill further requires the county to publish a comprehensive disaster preparedness plan within 60 days of enactment, detailing available emergency assets such as fire engines, ambulances, rescue boats and designated shelters across all boroughs.

Other measures outlined in the policy include mandatory risk assessments, mapping of flood-prone areas, regular building safety audits and the use of technology-enabled community alert systems to warn residents of impending risks. Emergency drills in public institutions would also become compulsory.

Speaking after the Cabinet meeting, Governor Sakaja said the proposed reforms are intended to reduce preventable disasters through improved planning and coordination.

“Nairobi cannot continue reacting after lives and livelihoods have already been lost. This law focuses on preparation, coordination and prevention,” he said.

He noted that NADEMA would consolidate emergency response under a single command structure to improve response times during incidents.

The Bill also proposes the creation of a County Disaster Management Fund, financed through budgetary allocations, private sector contributions and donations, to enable rapid mobilisation of resources during emergencies. In the event of a declared disaster, the Governor would be granted limited emergency powers, including evacuation orders and expedited procurement, subject to constitutional safeguards and oversight.

County officials say the reforms are expected to improve response times, strengthen enforcement of building and land-use standards and enhance public awareness on disaster preparedness, with an emphasis on reducing disaster risks before emergencies occur.