Kenya is vulnerable to both natural and man-made hazards, including drought, floods, land-slides, urban and forest fires, armed conflict, human and animal diseases, pests, earthquakes infrastructure collapse and road accidents, with an estimated 3 to 4 million people affected annually. The intensity and magnitude of man-made and natural hazards has continued to increase with significant negative impacts leading to huge economic losses that further creates stress on marginalized and most vulnerable populations. Climate change is a threat multiplier and will only increase the frequency and magnitude of natural hazards.
Impacts of disasters and crises are not neutral. Disasters contribute to inequality key among them gender inequality. Women, men, boys and girls experience and are impacted by disasters differently. Kenya should invest in strengthening the capacity of key DRM institutions to domesticate and develop policies, strategies and programmes that are sensitive to the needs of women, men, girls and boys. The Sendai Framework (2015 – 2030) makes provision for integration of gender equality. The framework states that governments should engage with all relevant stakeholders including women, children, youth, persons with disabilities in the design, implementation of policies, plans and standards. UN Security Council Resolutions 1325 recognizes the right of women to full participation in all areas of peace and security decision making