Background and Rationale

The proposal to establish NDRMA follows a directive from the Principal Secretary (PS) for Special Programmes to develop an appropriate organizational structure, staffing establishment, grading framework, and qualification matrix for the proposed Authority.

This initiative is anchored on the proposed transition of the National Disaster Operations Centre (NDOC) into a State Corporation with a comprehensive national mandate on disaster risk management.

The transition is intended to:

• Strengthen institutional coordination and response capacity

• Enhance preparedness and early warning systems

• Improve disaster risk reduction strategies

• Ensure effective response and recovery mechanisms

• Promote resilience across communities and sectors

The establishment of NDRMA will provide a unified national framework capable of managing disasters proactively and systematically.

Technical Working Session in Murang’a

A technical team drawn from the State Department for Special Programmes and the Public Service Commission convened at the Horticultural Research Institute in Murang’a County from Monday, 2nd February 2026 to Friday, 6th February 2026.

The meeting focused on:

• Designing an effective organizational structure

• Developing a staffing establishment

• Creating a grading framework

• Preparing a qualification matrix aligned with national public service standards

This exercise represents a critical milestone in institutionalizing disaster risk management in Kenya.

Key Outputs of the Report

The report presents comprehensive recommendations aimed at operationalizing the Authority once the Disaster Risk Management Bill is enacted into law. The proposed framework includes:

1. Organizational Structure

A streamlined and functional structure designed to ensure:

• Clear reporting lines

• Defined roles and responsibilities

• Efficient coordination between national and county levels

• Strong operational, technical, and administrative support units

2. Staffing Establishment

A detailed staffing plan outlining:

• Core technical positions

• Support and administrative roles

• Specialized disaster risk management experts

• Field coordination teams

The staffing model ensures adequate human resource capacity to handle both emergency response and long-term risk reduction functions.

3. Grading Framework

A harmonized grading structure aligned with public service standards to:

• Promote fairness and career progression

• Ensure accountability

• Support performance-based management

• Attract and retain skilled professionals

4. Qualification Matrix

A comprehensive qualification framework specifying:

• Academic requirements

• Professional certifications

• Technical competencies

• Experience thresholds for various roles

This matrix ensures that NDRMA is staffed by competent, highly qualified personnel capable of managing complex disaster risk scenarios.

Towards a Robust and Future-Ready Authority

The proposed National Disaster Risk Management Authority is envisioned as a professional, well-resourced, and strategically positioned State Corporation that will:

• Safeguard lives and livelihoods

• Protect national development gains

• Strengthen community resilience

• Enhance inter-agency coordination

• Promote evidence-based disaster risk management

It is hoped that this report will serve as a practical guide for decision-making and implementation, providing a solid foundation for building a robust, professional, and future-ready National Disaster Risk Management Authority.

With the enactment of the Disaster Risk Management Bill, Kenya will take a transformative step toward a safer, more resilient nation equipped to manage disasters effectively and sustainably.