Sakaja Moves to Rescue Nairobi with Sweeping Disaster and Emergency Reforms as City Battles Fires, Floods and Collapses

Nairobi is preparing for a major change in how it handles disasters. Governor Johnson Sakaja has approved new laws to fix the city’s weak emergency systems. The move comes after years of deadly fires, floods and building collapses.

During a Cabinet meeting on Thursday, February 5, county leaders cleared a new Disaster Management Policy and an Emergency Response Bill. They agreed to send it to the County Assembly without delay. City Hall says the plan will shift Nairobi from reacting to crises to stopping them before they happen.

At the center of the reforms is a new Nairobi Disaster and Emergency Management Authority, known as NADEMA. This agency will manage all rescue and disaster work. It will bring together firefighters, medics, security teams and rescue units. They will work under one command. This will cut delays. It will also reduce confusion.

The law will also create a 24-hour Emergency Operations Centre. This centre will coordinate all responses across the city. In addition, each borough will get its own rapid response team. These units will be closer to the people. They will reach scenes faster.

Within 60 days of the law taking effect, the county must release a full disaster plan. The plan will list all emergency tools. These include fire engines, ambulances, rescue boats and safe shelters. Every area will know where to go when danger strikes.

The policy also demands stronger prevention. The county will map flood zones. It will carry out building safety checks. It will also set up alert systems to warn residents early. Public buildings will be required to hold emergency drills.

Governor Sakaja said the reforms are long overdue. He said Nairobi has lost too many lives due to poor planning. He added that the city cannot keep reacting after damage is done. Instead, it must prepare in advance.

He also said NADEMA will save time in emergencies. All teams will respond together. They will follow one chain of command. This will help them act fast.

The Bill also creates a Disaster Management Fund. It will receive money from the county budget and donors. This will allow quick spending during crises.

If a disaster is declared, the governor can order evacuations and fast-track supplies. These powers will follow the law.

City officials say the goal is clear. They want fewer deaths. They want less damage. Nairobi now hopes to face disasters with speed and order, not chaos.