The construction of the first Emergency Operation Center in Lamu County has begun today.

The ground-breaking ceremony was graced by Lamu County Governor H.E Issa Timamy E.G.H, O.G.W and once complete, the center will host response units that are responsible for promoting efficient organization and coordination of search, rescue operations, disaster and emergency response within rescue region.

According to the Governor, the center will act as a resource center to the county government, Red Cross, World Wide Fund, Police among others to enable them operate from a central coordinated place whenever there are hazards and emergencies.

“This disaster rescue center will be a game changer towards responding to emergencies in Lamu. It will enable stakeholders to operate from a designated place thus reducing response time and increased coordination, making emergency and disaster response missions, coordination and operations swift and timely” Governor Timamy stated.

The Governor who was accompanied by his Deputy H.E Raphael Munyua further noted that many emergency response missions fail because resources and personnel are far apart and that largely affects decision making in times of emergencies.

The coordination center is expected to be complete by end of April this year and is being constructed in partnership with World Wide Fund and Kenya Red Cross.

In attendance was Hon. Tashrifa Bakari Mohamed, C.E.C.M – Lands, Red Cross Regional Manager Mr. Hassan Musa, WFF Monitoring and Evaluation Coordinator Mr. Ahmed Mbarak, Lamu County Secretary Amb. Ali Abbas, Chief of Staff Mr. Abdulnasir M. Issa, Chief Officer Devolution and Disaster Management Mr. Kasim Mohamed among others.

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For more information contact:

Lamu County Government Communications Office at communication@lamu.go.ke