West Pokot County has taken a significant step toward strengthening disaster management with the official opening of a new Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) in Kapenguria.
The facility, launched by Governor Simon Kachapin, is designed to improve preparedness, coordination, and timely response to emergencies across the county.
The commissioning ceremony was attended by senior leaders, including Kenya Red Cross Society Secretary General Dr Ahmed Idris, who reaffirmed the organisation’s support to the county.
He pledged continued partnership in responding to emergencies and building resilience for communities vulnerable to disasters.
Governor Kachapin described the EOC as a turning point in the county’s disaster management approach, highlighting its role in shifting from reactive crisis handling to proactive resilience building.
He emphasised that the centre will act as a hub where multidisciplinary teams can monitor risks, share early warning information, and mount coordinated responses in times of need.
The County Disaster Risk Management Unit will operate the facility in close collaboration with the Kenya Red Cross Society.
Equipped with modern systems, it is expected to enhance inter-agency cooperation, ensure real-time data flow, and strengthen community-based disaster preparedness.
The launch was attended by Members of the County Assembly, including Richard Ruto, Elijah Kaseuseu, Shariff Kiptalam, and Paul Cheling’a, alongside North Rift Regional Chairman Francis Soprin, Kenya Red Cross West Pokot Vice Chair Francis Soprin, and other officials.
With this milestone, West Pokot County has positioned itself as a leader in proactive disaster management, ensuring that emergencies are met with faster, better-coordinated, and more effective responses.