Kenya Red Cross Society: Opportunities and Capacity Building in Use of ICT in Disaster Management

Abstract

The Kenya Red Cross Society (KRCS) has been at the forefront in disaster management in Kenya. In the recent past, the society has diversified and invested in the use of modern information communication technologies in addressing disasters. This paper therefore sought to explore the opportunities and capacity building in ICT by Kenya Red Cross Society (KRCS) for disaster management. Key informant interviews, structured interviews and secondary data analysis (content analysis) were the sources of information used. The results indicated that KRCS has received support from the Kenya Data Network, and networked its three regional offices out of eight regions. Plans were also underway to complete the networking of other regional offices to enhance the use ICT in disaster management and general administration. The Kenya Red Cross Society had established the EOC in Nairobi, and build capacity in three regions to use ICT for disaster management. The study recommends that a further research be carried out on the Capacity of local institutions in use of ICT in disaster management.

Key words: Kenya Red Cross Society, Opportunities, Capacity Building, ICT, Disaster Management.