By Imali Ngusale
As the growing threats of climate change expose Kenya to an increased risk of disasters, Kilifi County has taken centre stage in fostering critical discussions aimed at building resilience and protecting vulnerable coastal communities.
The 10th National Disaster Risk Reduction Symposium, a pivotal event in the nation’s efforts to mitigate disaster risks, has brought together government leaders, the Council of Governors, experts, and youth to spearhead innovative strategies for safeguarding the future.
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has partnered with Kilifi County to support over 30 young people from diverse counties in participating in this vital symposium. The youth have been recognized as central to driving sustainable development and creating resilient communities.
Speaking on the first day of the symposium, the Deputy Governor of Kilifi, Hon. Flora Mbetsa Chibule, emphasized the importance of youth involvement in disaster preparedness. “I am pleased to see the youth at the forefront of this year’s disaster risk reduction efforts,” she remarked.
Hon. Chibule praised UN agencies such as UNFPA and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) for their pivotal role in ensuring youth participation. She further stressed the critical need for technology and innovation—largely driven by young people—to be embedded in disaster response strategies, highlighting their role in increasing disaster risk awareness.
“We need concrete plans that place young people at the heart of change,” the Deputy Governor asserted. “The future of disaster risk reduction rests in the hands of the youth.”
She underscored that the disaster risk reduction strategy must be forward-thinking, warning that without active youth engagement, young people could bear the brunt of future disasters.
Historically, young Kenyans have played passive roles in disaster relief efforts. However, recent statistics paint a stark picture: 90% of casualties from flash floods that ravaged Kenya were under the age of 35, with a significant portion being women. The urgency to involve youth in disaster planning is more pressing than ever.
In her remarks, Everlyn Koech, Team Leader for Environment and Resilience at UNDP Kenya, echoed the sentiments of the Deputy Governor, stating, “Managing disasters is not just a humanitarian issue; it is a development issue.” She emphasized the importance of collaboration in reducing disaster risks and the necessity of including youth in these collective efforts.
During the symposium’s panel discussions, members of the UNFPA Youth Advisory Board shared their insights on disaster risk reduction priorities. Allan Mwita, a youth representative from UNFPA, highlighted the disproportionate impact disasters have on persons with disabilities, urging that disaster response strategies prioritize their inclusion. “Disaster response must leave no one behind,” Mwita stated. “People with disabilities must be at the forefront of disaster response planning.”
Brian Mukusa, another youth leader, called for policies prioritising youth in disaster management, stressing that their active involvement is crucial for success with youth representing the largest demographic in Kenya.
UNFPA Kenya’s unwavering commitment to engaging youth in disaster preparedness remains evident. The support provided at the symposium exemplifies the organization’s dedication to empowering young people as agents of change in building more resilient and inclusive communities.
As the symposium progresses, the challenge remains for other UN agencies and stakeholders to follow suit, ensuring that youth voices continue to shape disaster risk reduction strategies across the country. Together, with a focus on innovation, inclusivity, and sustainable development, Kenya’s youth hold the key to a safer and more resilient future.