Message from the Chair,
The Department of Disaster Management and Sustainable Development is committed to addressing the growing challenges of disasters and environmental change through education, research, and community engagement. Our core mission is to train professionals who can effectively manage risks, respond to emergencies, and integrate sustainable practices into development planning. We believe that disaster resilience and sustainable development go hand in hand, and our programs reflect this critical connection by preparing students to become leaders in building safer, more adaptive communities.
We offer a multidisciplinary curriculum that blends disaster risk reduction, climate change adaptation, environmental management, and sustainable development planning. Students are equipped with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills through fieldwork, simulations, and partnerships with government bodies, NGOs, and international agencies. Our graduates are well-prepared to work in diverse sectors, from humanitarian response and urban planning to environmental conservation and policy formulation, all with a strong foundation in sustainable, inclusive development.
Our department is driven by a strong commitment to innovation, research, and community-based action. We conduct impactful research on disaster trends, climate resilience, and sustainable livelihoods, providing evidence-based solutions that influence policy and practice. Through collaboration, capacity building, and knowledge sharing, we aim to empower individuals and institutions to reduce vulnerabilities and enhance long-term resilience. The Department of Disaster Management and Sustainable Development is your gateway to a meaningful career in shaping a more sustainable, disaster-resilient world.
Philosophical Framework
The Department of Disaster Management and Sustainable Development is founded on the philosophy that human safety, environmental stewardship, and sustainable growth are inseparable pillars of a resilient society. We believe that effective disaster management goes beyond emergency response — it is a continuous process of anticipation, preparedness, mitigation, and adaptation grounded in scientific knowledge and community empowerment.
Our guiding principle is that sustainable development cannot be achieved without reducing disaster risks, while effective disaster management must be anchored in sustainability principles that protect ecosystems, livelihoods, and future generations. The Department, therefore, promotes a holistic approach that blends environmental science, technology, social awareness, and policy innovation to address the complex challenges posed by natural and human-induced hazards.
We are committed to:
Equipping learners with technical, analytical, and leadership skills for managing disasters and promoting sustainable community resilience.
Advancing interdisciplinary research and innovation that integrates environmental, social, and engineering solutions.
Fostering community partnerships that translate academic knowledge into practical, locally relevant disaster risk reduction strategies.
Upholding ethical responsibility and inclusivity, ensuring that disaster preparedness and development initiatives serve all members of society equitably.
Ultimately, our philosophy is to produce transformative professionals and researchers who lead efforts toward safer, more sustainable, and adaptive communities — aligning with Kenya’s development agenda and global frameworks such as the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
