Kisumu has officially unveiled its new Emergency Operation Center, a milestone project funded by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The facility was inaugurated by a UNDP delegation led by Ronald Jackson, Head of the Risk Reduction, Recovery, and Resilience Building team.
The center represents the culmination of Kisumu’s vision to meet the standards of a modern smart city. Through its partnership with UNDP, the city has been equipped with advanced street monitoring systems and cutting-edge technology to enhance emergency preparedness and response. UNDP has also invested in training command center operators, who will oversee operations around the clock.
Prior to the opening ceremony, the UNDP team paid a courtesy call to the Governor of Kisumu, who commended the organization’s commitment to elevating the city’s safety infrastructure to international standards. City Manager Abala Wanga, speaking at the event, expressed gratitude to UNDP for its support and funding, noting the transformative impact the center will have on Kisumu’s resilience.
During the launch, Head of ICT Ayim OBA demonstrated the center’s capabilities, showcasing how it will monitor and coordinate emergency operations across the county. The system integrates functions such as street lighting and surveillance, disaster preparedness, firefighting response, infrastructure monitoring, and traffic management.
The Kisumu Emergency Operation Center is expected to significantly strengthen the city’s ability to respond to crises, safeguard residents, and reinforce its position as a leading smart city in the region.
