The County government of Mombasa has directed all organisers, promoters, venue owners, and institutions planning to host events within the county to first inform the disaster management committee.
Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir on Tuesday, December 9, said that the move was aimed at strengthening public safety, security and emergency preparedness during the festive season.
He said the notice was in line with the Public Order Act, which assigns counties key responsibilities in managing public events, public amenities, cultural activities and disaster response.
"The Constitution of Kenya assigns county governments functions relating to cultural activities, public entertainment, public amenities, and fire-fighting services and disaster management," the Governor said.
The Governor clarified that the directive applies to all public events, regardless of whether they are free or ticketed and whether they are held indoors or outdoors.
According to the county, these events include concerts, festivals, shows, entertainment events, religious gatherings, crusades, sports events, tournaments, rallies, roadshows, exhibitions and corporate activations.
Abdulsawamad also stated that the list was not exhaustive, meaning any form of public assembly falls under the aforementioned requirement.
To ensure timeliness, Mombasa County noted that event organisers must inform the county disaster management committee no later than three days before the event date, to allow for proper planning.
The committee will use these notifications to plan for crowd management, evacuation, fire safety, medical cover, ambulance services, structural safety, and electrical risk control.
Notifications can be submitted either in person at the office of the County Disaster Management Team in Shimanzi or via the County Disaster Management email address.
"The County Disaster Management Committee will work jointly with the National Police Service and other agencies to ensure a coordinated approach to public safety, security and disaster preparedness at all events," Nassir stated.
According to the Governor, any organiser who fails to comply will be held personally liable, both civilly and criminally, for any loss, injury, damage or fatality attributable to inadequate safety and security arrangements.
"All organisers are hereby directed to strictly comply with this Notice in the interest of safeguarding lives, property and the reputation of Mombasa as a safe and orderly destination," he affirmed.
