Kenya is moving to embed disaster funding directly into government budgets, aiming to release money before droughts, floods or other emergencies occur.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen said the approach will tie anticipatory financing to national contingency budgets and social protection schemes, ensuring rapid disbursement to vulnerable groups when risk triggers are met.

Speaking at the Second Eastern Africa Dialogue Platform on Anticipatory Action (EADP‑2) in Mombasa, Murkomen stressed that disaster preparedness must move beyond ad‑hoc projects and post‑disaster aid.

The Disaster Risk Financing Strategy for 2026‑2030 provides the policy framework for securing funds in advance and releasing them quickly once agreed risk thresholds are reached.

Implementation will be anchored in the Disaster Risk Management Act, 2026, which defines clear responsibilities, coordination mechanisms and standard operating procedures for both national and county authorities.

Domestic resources will be the core financing source, supplemented where needed by risk‑insurance products and support from development partners.

Murkomen warned that strong El Niño conditions are forecast for the current season, making early preparation essential to mitigate potential impacts.

He highlighted the need for warnings to reach communities in understandable languages and formats, especially women, children, the elderly and persons with disabilities.

Regional cooperation through IGAD was also urged, with calls for shared risk information, linked early‑warning systems and common trigger criteria for action.

IGAD Executive Secretary Workneh Gebeyehu noted that overlapping climate shocks, conflict and health emergencies are straining communities, and that translating forecasts into timely interventions remains a critical gap.

He urged member states to embed early‑action financing in national budgets and for development partners to provide predictable funding to support government‑led systems.

The urgency of these measures is underscored by an estimated 48.5 million people in the region needing humanitarian assistance as of December 2025.

EADP‑2 meeting sets the stage for regional commitments

The three‑day EADP‑2 conference in Mombasa, running from 28 to 30 October, brings together government officials, humanitarian agencies, researchers and civil society to review progress since the inaugural platform in 2024.

Participants are expected to agree on practical steps to strengthen anticipatory action across Eastern Africa and to issue a ministerial declaration outlining financing, policy and institutional commitments.