Examining the institutional capacity of subnational disaster risk reduction platforms in Western Kenya

Abstract

Disaster impacts are becoming severe and costly. Disasters result in approximately US$202 billion in direct economic losses annually, while the wider economic consequences, including disruptions to livelihoods, infrastructure, ecosystems, and supply chains, exceed US$2.3 trillion per year, representing nearly 2% of global Gross Domestic Product. Recent estimates also show that natural disasters in 2024 alone resulted in over 18,000 deaths worldwide and economic losses amounting to approximately US$368 billion, highlighting the escalating human and financial costs associated with disaster events. Governments are inventing strategies of managing the severe impacts of disasters. One of the strategies for managing disasters is formation of sub-national platforms on disaster risk reduction (DRR) with the aim of reducing the impacts of disaster to the communities. However, risk informed development founded on institutional capacity remains a question in the sub-national platforms. The purpose of the study was to examine the institutional capacity of subnational DRR platforms in Western Kenya. Institutional and Social Inclusion Theories were used in this study. The study utilized mixed methods research design. The target populations were derived from three counties (Kakamega, Kisumu and Busia) out of which a study sample of 151 was picked. The three counties were selected to represent the 11 other counties that exhibit significant exposure to recurrent hazards. The sampling strategy included multi stage, proportionate, simple random, and purposive sampling. Data was collected from primary sources using questionnaires, KII and FGD Guides from ward disaster management committee members. Secondary data was obtained from publications, journals, and newspapers. Data analysis was through descriptive statistics using Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS) version 27.0 and results presented in frequency tables, charts and figures. Results reveal moderate structural efficacy on existence of legal and policy frameworks (78%), organizational structures and leadership (65%), effective multistakeholder forums (75%) with low operational ability in critical areas such as financial resource allocation (27%), technical capacity (27%), capacity building (32%) and mainstreaming DRR into development planning (31%). The study concludes that there is existence of institutional structures in DRR subnational platforms but face challenges in functional execution and gaps in financial and technical expertise. The study recommends the adoption of preventive financing and measurable accountability systems. The findings will help the national and county governments in strengthening DRR governance in Western Kenya.