Thesis Proposal on Master of Disaster Management Economic Impacts and Disaster Management of Annual Floods in Kenya Low Lands - Kano and Budalangi Plains

Thesis Proposal on Master of Disaster Management Economic Impacts and Disaster Management of Annual Floods in Kenya Low Lands

 

According to various research and reports, Kenya has been the principal victim of massive flood disaster for 40 years now; disasters such as severe floods, landslides, drought and poor sanitation have been the major problem in the place that caused huge number of malnutrition cases, deaths of people and livestock, great loss of homes and properties.  The worst situation that the community has been experiencing is the health problem because of the contaminated water used by the people from the drying water pans.  There are millions of people who had been affected by the most recent drought in Kenya that was brought by the severe floods.  As a matter of fact, the community has not been recovering yet from the severe floods that happened in the various years.  Due to these natural disasters, ASAL population has been lost great percentage of their domestic animals, as well as major damages on infrastructures.  (http://www.ifrc.org/docs/appeals/rpts040507.pdf)

Based on the record of Kenya Red Cross which is a member of the Kenyan National Sudden Onset Disaster Committee; the situation of Kenya has been getting worst these days due to a series of floods that struck recently in the country.  Presently, the urgency of food supply, shelter, medicines and clean source of drinking water are the major concern of Kenya’s population.  All members of the committee have been doing their best effort to extend great assistance to the people who are affected by the present disaster.  Furthermore, there has been a 24 hour nationwide Red Cross brigade who monitors updates on the people in the disaster areas.  There are also number of volunteers who are got involved in the disaster management program for the victims’ needs and concerns.  There are two radio networks that are operating simultaneously which are  funded by Danish Red Cross for the immediate news and updates from all branches to Nairobi headquarters.  The Ministry of Health and Kenya Red Cross are joining their hands to prevent any malaria outbreak in different communities particularly in   Nandi, Nyamira, Kericho and Bureti by distributing hundreds of sachets of anti-mosquito spray in these malaria prone areas.  Kenya Red Cross is planning to make a national and international appeal since their financial resources have already been exhausted because of the massive assistance program they extended to millions of families in different places in Kenya. However, their funds has not been sufficient to meet all the victims’ needs such as food, relocation centers or places, medicines, clothes and other things that are needed by the people. (http://www.ifrc.org/docs/appeals/rpts040507.pdf)

According to different studies, nowadays, Kenya government and other non government agencies have been thinking various ways and remedies to improve their economic status as to making most out of whatever they have  right now as well as to use whatever resources left with them. Despite the fact that Kenya has been the target of floods and drought for over the years now, the Kenya government and other agencies are relentlessly finding ways and remedies in solving their present economic problem.  As a matter of fact, Kenya government, disaster management agencies and private agencies have joint hands in making a feasibility study to improve the flood and drought problem in Kenya communities.  The Uhai Lake Forum, Vitoria Institute of Research and Development (VIRED), Maseno University, Ministry of Water and Irrigation, JICA study team and other partners have laid down a flood control management plan to eliminate the flood and drought occurrence in Kenya. The flood control management must be studied and planned comprehensively, methodically and technologically.  Likewise, it should be also sustained by appropriate non structural measures.  These institutions are seriously considering the annual flooding in the place as the possible water supply for the people in Kenya with integrated structural plan and proper implementation of it will produce a sanitary water distribution to all communities; as well as to generate income activities and livelihoods to support the families’ daily basic needs and expenses in order them to live decently.  This disaster management approach would definitely develop a complete assistance to elevate the poor economic status of the people within the country.  The people must be given proper and comprehensive trainings and seminars on technical skills in livestock husbandry, tree planting and growing as well as the technical skills in agricultural production.  These livelihood programs would certainly help the people in Kenya to gradually recover from those calamities.  In addition, these livelihood programs can be a main source of their income later on and  they can lead the people become productive .   (http://www.ifrc.org/docs/appeals/rpts040507.pdf)

References:

(http://www.ifrc.org/docs/appeals/rpts040507.pdf)

(http://www.ifrc.org/docs/appeals/rpts040507.pdf)

(http://www.ifrc.org/docs/appeals/rpts040507.pdf)