Counties mandated to establish emergency funds following Cabinet approval
The decision to change the law was driven by lessons learned from the 2023 El Nino rains, which exposed serious weaknesses in emergency preparedness across several counties.
County governments will now be required by law to set up emergency funds to help them respond quickly and effectively to disasters, following Cabinet approval of the Public Finance Management (Amendment) Bill, 2024.
The Bill, which was approved during a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, chaired by President William Ruto, makes it mandatory, not optional, for all counties to establish County Emergency Funds. This marks a shift from past policies that only encouraged counties to do so, leaving many unprepared when disasters struck.
The decision to change the law was driven by lessons learned from the 2023 El Nino rains, which exposed serious weaknesses in emergency preparedness across several counties.
The damage caused by those rains revealed that without dedicated funds and proper planning, counties are often caught off guard and unable to respond quickly enough to protect lives and property.
The proposed changes are also based on wide consultations and follow a directive issued at the 24th Ordinary Session of the Intergovernmental Budget and Economic Council (IBEC), which took place in August 2024.
During that session, the need for counties to have stronger financial structures for disaster response was highlighted.
Once passed by Parliament, the amendment will compel each county government to set up and manage its own emergency fund, aimed at improving its ability to act quickly during natural disasters and other emergencies.
The funds will be used to support rescue operations, repair infrastructure, and ensure the safety and well-being of residents.
The amendment also seeks to create a clear and predictable system for emergency funding. This means that counties will not have to rely on delayed responses or ad hoc measures from the national government every time a disaster strikes. Instead, they will be financially equipped to act on their own.
"The amendment aims to equip counties with the financial readiness to respond swiftly to future emergencies, thereby protecting lives, livelihoods, and critical infrastructure," a statement from the Cabinet read.
The shift is expected to reduce dependency on national intervention during crises and promote faster, better-organised responses at the county level. It also reflects a growing recognition that preparedness at the local level is crucial in managing emergencies.
The Cabinet noted that the move is not just a reaction to past failures but part of a broader strategy to build resilience across the country.
By making emergency funds a legal requirement, the government wants to ensure that counties take disaster preparedness seriously and plan ahead.
The 2023 El Nino rains had widespread impacts, and some counties were heavily criticised for their slow response. The lack of dedicated resources made it difficult to carry out timely evacuations, repair damaged infrastructure, or provide emergency supplies to affected communities.
The new approach aims to avoid a repeat of those failures by ensuring that every county has resources set aside specifically for emergency use. The Cabinet believes this will enhance coordination, save lives, and reduce losses in future disasters.
Top Stories Today
