West Pokot County Hosts Workshop to Develop SOPs for Emergency Operations Centre

A multi-agency technical team convened in West Pokot County this week to draft Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the County's Emergency Operations Centre (EOC), aimed at strengthening the implementation of the West Pokot County Disaster Risk Management Act.

The workshop, which began on September 11, 2024, was officially opened by Hon. Martin Lottee, County Executive Committee (CEC) Member for Public Service Management, Devolved Units, Administration, and ICT. Hon. Lottee acknowledged USAID KUZA's invaluable support in facilitating the full execution of the Act and emphasized the need for well-defined SOPs to enhance efficiency in emergency response and ensure accountability across all processes.

The three-day workshop focused on finalizing the EOC's operational procedures, which will also play a key role in executing the Peace and Conflict Resolution Act. USAID KUZA, which aims to strengthen local systems and foster resilience, has been a key partner in supporting the County Government's disaster management initiatives.

During the event, the technical team also developed regulations to operationalize the County’s Disaster Risk Management (DRM) Act. Mr. John Githiaka, USAID KUZA’s Senior Capacity Development Advisor, praised Governor Simon Kachapin and his administration for their commitment to advancing the DRM Policy and reaching key milestones. He reiterated USAID KUZA’s ongoing support in ensuring the full implementation of the policy, especially through the creation of guiding regulations.

Among the participants were Chief Officers Ms. David Chepelion and Mr. Musa Loshiangole, Kenya Red Cross representatives Mr. John Nalo, Mr. Robert Githinji, and Mrs. Scolah Kapelo, along with senior County officials Mr. Moses Ngoriapeta, Mr. Julius Lopuonyang, and Mr. Festus Tingaa.