Authors: Amos Onchiri Anyieni1, Edward Neyole2 and Maximila Wanzala2
1National Defence University Kenya (NDU – K).
P.O. Box 30083 – 00100, Nairobi – KENYA
Author Email: amozaya@gmail.com
2Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology
P.O. BOX 190-50100, Kakamega.
ABSTRACT
Biochemical and radiological agents pose significant threats due to their dual-use nature and potential for catastrophic consequences, as evidenced by incidents like the 2020 Beirut explosion and the 1986 Chernobyl disaster. In Kenya, Mombasa County which is characterized by a diverse base of industries with a strategically located coastal port, exhibits a high vulnerability to such hazards due to high volume of goods or materials handled for domestic use and in transit to other inland countries. The purpose of the study was to assess the governance framework for emergency preparedness and response to biochemical and radiological hazards in Mombasa County. The study utilized an exploratory research design. Stratified random sampling was used to select a sample size of 333 respondents from a target population of 2,000. Questionnaires and interview schedules were the tools used for data collection. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, while qualitative data was analyzed thematically. Key findings revealed critical gaps in interagency coordination, with 64.6% of respondents expressing concerns, and inadequacies in training programs, as noted by 53.1% of respondents. Additionally, 69.4% highlighted deficiencies in emergency response equipment. The study concludes that Mombasa County faces substantial challenges in emergency preparedness, interagency coordination, and investments in training and equipment to improve emergency preparedness capabilities for effective response. The study recommends the development and implementation of comprehensive emergency management policies, enhanced interagency coordination, and regular joint training for enhancement of biochemical and radiological emergency preparedness.
Keywords: Biochemical and radiological hazards, emergency preparedness, response, governance, and interagency coordination
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
Suggested Citation
Onchiri, A. A., Neyole, E., and Wanzala, M. (2024). Assessing Governance Framework For Emergency Preparedness and Response to Biochemical And Radiological Hazards In Mombasa County, Kenya. African Research Journal of Education and Social Sciences, 11(3), 123-132. Available at http://arjess.org/social-sciences-research/assessing-governance-framework-for-emergency-preparedness-and-response-to-biochemical-and-radiological-hazards-in-mombasa-county-kenya.pdf
