Assessment of the frequency of disaster emergencies in Kenya’s lake region economic bloc

Abstract

The United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction noted that the world faces almost twice as many disasters as in the 1980s. While authorities in the Lake Region Economic Bloc [LREB] have introduced disaster response measures, the persistence of these disasters points to gaps in understanding disaster trends for stronger emergency management. The purpose of the study was to assess the frequency of disaster emergencies in Kenya’s Lake Region Economic Bloc. This study was guided by disaster risk theory. The study utilized an explanatory research design. The target population was derived from 3 Lake Region counties (Busai, Kisumu, and Nandi), from which a study sample of 384 respondents was picked. The sampling strategy included multi-stage, proportionate, simple random, and purposive. Primary data was collected using questionnaires, key informant interviews, and focus group discussion guides, while secondary sources consisted of annual reports, books, and policy briefs. Data analysis was through descriptive statistics using SPSS version 20 and Excel. Results are presented in tables. Findings revealed 92%, 86%, 85%, 78%, 77%, and 60% were in agreement that floods, disease outbreaks, road traffic accidents, drought, fire outbreaks, and landslides, respectively, were frequent in the study area. This study concluded that a wide range of disasters were frequent in the study area, with floods leading. The study recommends that there is a need to take a more people-centered approach to disaster risk reduction by putting stronger systems in place to manage the most frequent disasters. The findings are intended to sensitize the community and inform policy strengthening on community emergency in the study area.