Certificate in Disaster Preparedness & Management

Natural and man-made disasters have a far longer history and have been the reason behind the loss of many lives, massive destruction of property and infrastructure, displacement of people and therefore increase in the number of refugees countrywide.  The needs of these affected populations are centered on public health concerns such as food, shelter, sanitation, prevention of disease and treatment of disease and injuries.  Yet meeting these basic needs under emergency situations poses unique problems particularly in the developing countries.  And the greater challenge lies in helping restore essential services in post-disaster and conflict situations Developed counties have not been left behind with countries like Japan being among those that experienced very destructive earthquake during the decade that ended in the year 2010 and during which decade the World Bank estimated the cost of the damages at 2 trillion shillings.  The world has effectively woken up to the realities of these massive social and economic effects of disasters but acknowledges that little can be done to control natural disasters.  However many natural disasters are preventable and their effects easier to control.  The massive challenges occasioned by the occurrences of these disasters especially in contemporary society calls for a greater study and research in the discipline.

Target Groups

The programme includes high school leavers, the government employees, and employees of the private sector and NGOs such as the UNHCR and the general members of the public.

Goals of the Programme

1. To equip the learner with skills necessary for the prevention and management of disasters and related consequences.
2. Develop a disaster related curriculum and offer training aimed at preparing qualified human resource for disaster related jobs and careers
3. Provide the learner with basic knowledge necessary for the pursuit of more advanced courses in disaster management.
4. Instill proactive approach to crises and disasters and help learners apply disaster related knowledge and skills in dealing with practical problems and situations.

Expected learning outcomes of the programmes

1. Acquisition of better knowledge and skills in disaster management and humanitarian assistance.
2. Expose the learner to the changing nature of disasters and how to handle the challenges.
3. Acquisition of adequate and appropriate disaster research skills.

Mode of delivery of the programme

The study will be conducted through lectures, tutorials and class discussions.  The programme will be delivery through any of the following modes of study.

• Open and distance learning (ODIL)

The course performance will be classified on the basis of the students’ marks throughout the three semesters

All students who get a pass and above in all the subjects will be awarded a certificate in Disaster Management.

UNITS OFFERED IN THE PROGRAMME