Enhancing climate resilience through the Sendai Framework. Case of Tana North Sub-County, Kenia

Abstract

Implementing global disaster risk reduction (DRR) frameworks in climate-vulnerable regions remains a key challenge for sustainable development. This study examines the application of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (SFDRR) in enhancing community resilience to climate shocks in Tana North Sub-County, Kenya, an arid and semi-arid area frequently affected by droughts, flash floods, poor infrastructure, and widespread poverty. Employing a mixed-methods approach including household surveys (n = 216), key informant interviews, and regression analysis, the study identifies institutional and socio-economic barriers hindering effective SFDRR implementation at the local level. Results highlight significant governance shortcomings and community-level vulnerabilities. Weak institutional coordination, inadequate funding, and poor policy enforcement intersect with challenges including education, gender inequality, substandard housing, and dependence on climate-sensitive livelihoods. Only 33% of respondents knew about SFDRR, revealing a disconnect between global DRR frameworks and grassroots awareness. Adaptive capacity is strongly influenced by infrastructure quality and access to water resources. A strong inverse relationship between vulnerability and resilience (r = –0.95, p < .001) emphasises the need for integrated strategies. The study concludes that locally tailored, community-led approaches, supported by strong governance, are critical for meaningful SFDRR implementation and for aligning global DRR goals with local development needs.