Nairobi, 03 August 2018 – Kenya experiences cyclic natural disasters and emergencies attributed to natural and man-made triggers.  Natural disasters have included epidemics, droughts, floods, landslides, and human and animal disease outbreaks, among others.  

To prevent and mitigate disastrous effects when emergencies and disaster occurs in future, UNFPA collaborated with the Government of Kenya, UN agencies, NGOs and other actors in the humanitarian sector and undertaken a Minimum Initial Service Package (MISP) Readiness Assessment based on 38 indicators spanning coordination, prevention of sexual violence and assistance to survivors, reduction of HIV transmission and meeting STI needs, prevention of excess maternal and neonatal mortality and morbidity, and planning for comprehensive RH services integrated into primary health care. On average, the assessment findings showed that the country is partially prepared for MISP. The single fully fulfilled indicator is on “integration of SRH indicators within existing health information systems (HIS).”

“The MISP Readiness Assessment is a giant leap towards revealing and addressing gaps that have always become evident whenever disaster struck in the past. Through this initiative, UNFPA and partners are positioned to prevent and mitigate the impact of emergencies and humanitarian occurrences on the SRH, FP and protection needs of women and girls,” said the UNFPA Assistant Representative, Judith Kunyiha, lauding the resourcefulness of Government and CSOs partners during the two-day workshop.

After participating in the two-day workshop, the National Council for Population and Development (NCPD) assured UNFPA and partners of the Government’s support in implementing the findings of the assessment. “This exercise has given us the appropriate radar for understanding and addressing emergencies in the country. NCPD is pleased to have been part of the process and will strive to ensure appropriate strategies are developed to improve preparedness for disasters and emergencies in Kenya,” said Mariam Adan, the NCPD Population Programme Officer, as she officially closed the workshop.   

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For additional information, please contact:

John Wafula  (wafula@unfpa.org)

Judith Kunyiha  (kunyiha-karogo@unfpa.org)