ASSESSMENT OF DISASTER PREPAREDNESS IN PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS: A CASE OF THE KENYA SCHOOL OF GOVERNMENT BARINGO-KENYA

Disasters of various kinds have been witnessed in learning institutions in Kenya for many years. Indeed, disasters disrupt the education process and undermine quality of education in the institutions of learning. Kenya has put in place a policy on disaster preparedness but the policy has gaps and most disaster response initiatives tended to be ad hoc and short term, mainly comprising emergency relief. It is against this backdrop that this study was carried out to assess the level of disaster preparedness at the Kenya School of Government, Baringo. The study design was descriptive set out to determine the participants’ responses on facilities put in place for disaster preparedness, the efficiency of the facilities and the trainings the staff have undertaken so far as disaster preparedness is concerned. The sample technique chosen was stratified proportionate and cluster sampling where the various sections chosen formed clusters and 50% respondents were used to form a sample size of 35. The study tools were the Questionnaires and observation sheets. The study found out that disaster facilities like fire extinguishers were available in all departments (100%), the facilities were serviced and tested (97%) but the staff mainly trained on first aid (56%) and not on all aspects of disaster preparedness. From the findings The Kenya School of Government Baringo is equipped satisfactorily with disaster preparedness facilities to handle disasters or emergency situations as may occur from time to time. However, lack of training by staff members in all aspects of disaster preparedness may negate all these gains. It is therefore recommended that the School puts in place contingency plans to immediately sensitize staff on disaster preparedness and in the long run find means and ways to train staff members on disaster preparedness.