VOI – Taita Taveta County, in a significant step towards enhancing its disaster management capabilities, has initiated the construction of an advanced Emergency Operations Centre in Voi. This initiative, led by County Governor Andrew Mwadime in partnership with the Kenya Red Cross Society (KRCS) Governor Geoffrey Korir, represents a crucial advancement in the region’s approach to disaster preparedness and response. The groundbreaking event took place at the Vindo Show Ground, marking the commencement of a project valued at Sh 22 million.
According to Kenya News Agency, the new facility will integrate state-of-the-art technology to enable efficient disaster response, including rapid communication and data processing to manage various emergencies effectively. The governor highlighted the frequent challenges faced by the county, such as road accidents, fires, floods, droughts, and human-wildlife conflicts, underscoring the importance of the centre in mitigating these incidents.
KRCS Governor Geoffrey Korir outlined the centre’s strategic significance, which will extend its services beyond Taita Taveta, benefiting the entire Coast and Eastern Regions, particularly in addressing emergencies along the critical Nairobi-Mombasa highway. The facility will act as a coordination hub for various response teams, including emergency medical services and wildlife authorities, to provide timely interventions during crises.
The collaboration between the county government and KRCS also aims to bolster community resilience, with plans to introduce additional resources such as a youth center and a training institute to tackle issues like drug abuse and enhance local emergency response skills. Furthermore, Governor Korir proposed the establishment of an innovation center to spur economic development and generate revenue within the county.
Acknowledging the essential need for rapid response infrastructure, Korir emphasized the importance of having adequate space for facilities like helicopter landing areas, crucial for evacuating individuals requiring urgent medical attention. The partnership between Taita Taveta County and the Kenya Red Cross Society exemplifies a unified commitment to safeguarding lives and fostering sustainable development through improved disaster readiness.