ADVOKS GLOBAL · KENYA
National Disaster Risk Management Act
29. Classification of disasters
Edition: 2026-06-02 · In force
29. Classification of disasters
(1)Whenever a disaster occurs or threatens to occur, the Authority shall determine whether the event is a disaster under this Act, and if so, immediately—(a)assess the magnitude and severity or potential magnitude and severity of the disaster;(b)classify the disaster as a county disaster or national disaster in accordance with subsections (4), (5) and (6); and(c)record the prescribed particulars concerning the disaster in the prescribed register.(2)In assessing the magnitude and severity or potential magnitude and severity of a disaster, the Authority—(a)shall consider the information and recommendations concerning the disaster received from a County Committee; and(b)may enlist the assistance of an independent assessor to evaluate the disaster on site.(3)The Authority may reclassify a disaster classified under subsection (l)(b) at any time after consultation with the relevant County Committee, if the magnitude and severity or potential magnitude and severity of the disaster differs from the initial assessment.(4)A disaster is a county disaster, if—(a)it affects a single county; and(b)the county concerned is able to effectively manage it.(5)A disaster is a national disaster if it affects—(a)more than one county; or(b)a single county which is unable to effectively manage it.(6)Until a disaster is classified by the Authority, it shall be deemed to be a county disaster.(7)Despite the classification of a disaster under this section, in designating primary responsibility for managing a disaster to a particular level of government, the national and county levels of government may assist each other in managing a disaster.(8)The Cabinet Secretary shall by regulations prescribe the details of classification of a disaster under this section.