Busia County and Kenya Red Cross signs MOU on health and disaster management

Busia County and the Kenya Red Cross Society have formalized a significant partnership with the signing of a 5-year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). This agreement aims to bolster collaboration in health, disaster management, risk mitigation, and preparedness, creating a more structured approach to community support.

At a recent signing ceremony held at the Busia governor’s lounge, Kenya Red Cross Society Secretary General Dr. Ahmed Idris emphasized that the MOU marks the beginning of a more organized partnership. “This agreement provides a structured way of working together, aligning the county’s disaster management strategies with national policies. It opens doors for joint projects that can better support communities, especially those at higher risk due to local hazards,” Dr. Idris explained.

Dr. Idris highlighted the extensive collaboration between the county and the Red Cross in response to recent floods, which affected numerous residents. The MOU, he noted, is designed to create a clear framework for their partnership, outlining specific areas of cooperation. Beyond the MOU, both parties will seek additional opportunities to enhance their joint efforts.

“In the coming days, we will begin implementing the established functions and areas of collaboration. Our partnership will evolve not only based on the MOU but also as new opportunities arise. We have identified key priority areas for the next five years to ensure effective delivery of services,” Dr. Idris added.

Busia County Secretary Oscar Juma, representing the governor, reiterated the importance of formalizing the long-standing collaboration with the Kenya Red Cross. “This document clearly defines our areas of interaction and cooperation, covering health, disaster management, risk reduction, and preparedness among other crucial areas,” he said.

Pamela Awori, Busia County Executive Committee Member for Public Service Management, expressed enthusiasm about the MOU, which she believes solidifies the county’s relationship with the Red Cross. “We are pleased to partner with the Kenya Red Cross in enhancing community response, particularly in disaster recovery, health services, and establishing a warehouse for quick logistical support,” she noted.

Awori also highlighted plans to improve emergency response capabilities with the introduction of highway patrol ambulances. “Our highways have been prone to accidents, including oil spills and tanker incidents. We are considering deploying highway patrol ambulances to enhance our response capabilities in these situations,” she said.

Busia County has faced numerous challenges from disasters, including recent flooding that impacted at least 1,747 households across Bunyala, Samia, and Teso North sub-counties. The new partnership with the Kenya Red Cross is expected to significantly improve the county’s ability to manage such crises effectively and support affected communities.

Through this MOU, Busia County and the Kenya Red Cross Society are set to advance their collaborative efforts, ensuring a more robust and coordinated approach to health and disaster management in the region.