Preparedness and Response to Flooding Risks by Kenya Wildlife Service in Hells Gate National Park, Nakuru County, Kenya
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Date
2024-10
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
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Publisher
EANSO
Abstract
Floods are short-lived events that occur abruptly with little to no warning
and are among the most dangerous disasters relating to weather due to the
hazardous conditions caused for people, the destruction of property and the
loss of life as well. Thus, minimizing flooding impacts timely and passing
accurate information is critical in flood preparedness and response.
Previous studies have focused on the probability of floods occurring and
their magnitude, therefore leaving a knowledge gap on preparedness and
response to flooding risks in national parks by government agencies in
Kenya. Hell’s Gate National Park experiences significant flash flooding;
therefore, it provided a good venue to study the levels of preparation and
response mechanisms available in Kenyan national parks. The objectives
of the study were to understand the level of preparedness and mechanisms
to respond to flooding events by Kenya Wildlife Service in Hells Gate
National Park. The study was guided by a descriptive research design which
involved collecting quantitative and qualitative data from 118 park users
and other key informants. The study found that the Kenya Wildlife Service
plays a crucial role in flood preparedness and response, but there is room
for improvement in early warning systems, hazard map distribution, and
user education because only 36.6% of the respondents were aware of escape
routes to be used during floods. In terms of recommendations, the study
found that it is crucial to enhance the existing flood preparedness and
response mechanisms within the park including investing in advanced
technology for early warning systems, conducting regular drills, and
fostering community engagement and partnerships, continuous
improvement of flood preparedness and response plans, along with a robust
communication strategy.
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Citation
Ithara, M. A. M. & Ming’ate, F. L. M. (2024). Preparedness and Response to Flooding Risks by Kenya Wildlife Service in Hells Gate National Park, Nakuru County, Kenya. East African Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies, 7(1), 368-383. https://doi.org/10.37284/eajis.7.1.2290.