The Role of Cultural and Religious Beliefs in Managing Highly Infectious Diseases: Insights from Western Kenya
Cultural and religious practices have historically played a significant role in shaping health-seeking behaviors and responses to disease outbreaks. In many parts of the world, these beliefs influence how communities perceive illness, seek treatment, and adhere to health interventions. In western Kenya, where traditional and religious healing remains an integral part of community life, understanding […]
Strengthening the National Disaster Risk Management Framework in Kenya with Anticipatory Action Policies
The 1998 U.S. Embassy bombing in Nairobi sparked discussions on the need for a national Disaster Risk Management (DRM) framework in Kenya. Yet, 26 years later, its enactment remains pending, leaving the country vulnerable to climate-related and human-induced disasters. The absence of comprehensive DRM legislation has resulted in reactive and inefficient disaster management. The National […]
Kenya Red Cross Society’s Humanitarian Diplomacy Strategy (2025–2029): Strengthening Crisis Response and Community Resilience
The International Center for Humanitarian Affairs (ICHA) provided technical expertise in developing the Kenya Red Cross Society’s (KRCS) Humanitarian Diplomacy Strategy 2025–2029, funded by the Danish Red Cross. The strategy strengthens KRCS’s advocacy for vulnerable populations, policy influence, and strategic partnerships to tackle Kenya’s humanitarian challenges. The strategy focuses on four key issues: Localization, Safer […]
Aerial Support for Isiolo Bush Fire: Insights from the Field
In the face of escalating bushfires in Isiolo County, the International Centre for Humanitarian Affairs (ICHA) deployed drone technology to enhance response efforts, demonstrating the growing role of aerial support in disaster management. Over a three-day mission, two drone pilots covered key sites—Bassa, Biliqi, and Sericho—providing real-time intelligence that shaped firefighting strategies on the ground. […]
Building Resilience in Kalobeyei/Kakuma
A Collaborative Approach to Sustainable Livelihoods, Water Access, and Policy Strengthening In a region marked by both harsh climatic conditions and the complexities of refugee-host dynamics, the Kenya Red Cross Society (KRCS), through the International Center for Humanitarian Affairs (ICHA), partnered with UN-Habitat to address the pressing needs of the Kalobeyei/ Kakuma integrated refugee settlement. […]
Strengthening Impact-Based Forecasting for Disaster Preparedness
Insights from the Garissa National Climate Outlook Forum The National Climate Outlook Forum (NCOF) User Interface Platforms (UIPs) serve as crucial forums for enhancing access, use, and application of seasonal forecasts through Impact-Based Forecasting (IbF). These platforms facilitate dialogue between climate information producers and users, improving co-production processes, defining stakeholder roles, and reinforcing institutional coordination. […]
The 10th National Climate Outlook Forum
Kenya Hosts the 10th National Climate Outlook Forum to Strengthen Climate Resilience – 27th – 29th January 2025 The 10th National Climate Outlook Forum (NCOF10) convened in Garissa bringing together key stakeholders to assess past climate performance, develop impact-based forecasting strategies, and enhance climate resilience across Kenya. Hosted by the Kenya Meteorological Department (KMD) in […]
Facing a New Era of Climate Risk in Kenya
Kenya continues to face intensifying climate-related hazards, ranging from recurrent floods and prolonged droughts to conflict-driven emergencies. These challenges are not only increasing in frequency but are also growing in complexity and impact. They underscore a critical need to shift from reactive crisis response to proactive, forward-looking disaster risk management. A Bold National Vision: The […]
FEWS NET Returns, But Can We Still Rely on It for Famine Early Warning?
The USAID-backed Famine Early Warning Systems Network (FEWS NET) has resumed operations after a one-year shutdown. As the largest and most widely used early warning system for famine, designed to detect food insecurity before it escalates into a full-blown crisis,, what should the more than 30 food-insecure countries expect from its return? And as a disaster-ready organization, what are our […]
Promoting Menstrual Dignity: How T4B Foundation Is Transforming Lives in Nandi and Lamu Counties
In early 2025, Together for Better Foundation (T4B), in partnership with the Kenya Red Cross Society and the International Centre for Humanitarian Affairs (ICHA), launched a transformative menstrual health outreach program in Nandi and Lamu counties. The initiative aimed to promote menstrual dignity, reduce stigma, and build long-term sustainability through access, education, and community empowerment. […]