Nairobi: Kenya has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening early warning systems to mitigate the effects of climate change, with the government pledging to scale up investments in disaster preparedness and resilience. Director of Multilateral Environmental Agreements, Linda Kosgei, emphasized the government's determination to close the early warning gap through policy reforms, partnerships, and science-based information utilization.
According to Kenya News Agency, Kosgei lauded the convening of the 11th National Climate Outlook Forum (NCOF-11) in Nairobi, describing it as a crucial platform for bridging the gap between producers and users of climate information. She highlighted the government's leadership through initiatives like the Early Warnings for All, the Disaster Risk Management Strategy, and ongoing work on the Disaster Risk Management Bill, aimed at protecting Kenyans from hazardous weather and climate events.
Kosgei underscored Kenya's participation in global climate resilience platforms and its bid to host the 9th Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction in 2028, as evidence of the government's dedication to safeguarding communities from climate risks. Referring to the 2024 Global Status of Multi-Hazard Early Warning Systems Report, she pointed out that countries with advanced early warning systems experience significantly lower disaster mortality rates, whereas half of the world's nations still lack such mechanisms.
Deputy Chief of the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) Regional Office for Africa, Huw Beynon, commended Kenya's efforts in disaster preparedness, noting the UNDRR's collaboration with the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) to commit EUR 1.5 million in enhancing Kenya's institutional capacities, governance frameworks, and anticipatory action. Beynon stressed the importance of community engagement in early warning systems, advocating for people-designed, delivered, and owned systems.
Acting Director of the Kenya Meteorological Department (KMD), Edward Muriuki, highlighted the need for simplified early warnings accessible to the public. He emphasized the enhancement of forecast accuracy through regional collaboration and the integration of indigenous knowledge, while appreciating the support from sponsors like UNDRR, UNDP, WFP, ICPAC, and AICS in strengthening Kenya's early warning systems.
Kenya Red Cross Society Secretary General, Dr. Ahmed Idris, defended the reliability of KMD forecasts, particularly for the October-December season, and explained the forum's role in providing actionable information for various sectors. He linked the discussions to the upcoming Africa Climate Summit in Addis Ababa, urging for stronger adaptation and mitigation conversations.
Director of the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation, Fabio Minniti, urged Kenya to focus on anticipatory action over crisis response. He emphasized the importance of stakeholder involvement in planning before the season starts, with Italy supporting Kenya through the Strengthening Early Warning and Early Action Programme. The official forecast for the October-December 2025 short rains is crucial for planning in agriculture, water, health, infrastructure, and disaster preparedness.