Garissa: The Kenya Meteorological Department (KMD) urges stakeholders to strengthen collaboration to effectively address adverse weather conditions such as floods and droughts in the country. KMD's deputy director Kennedy Thiong'o emphasized this need during a weather forecast workshop held at a hotel in Garissa, highlighting the importance of shared information for effective planning.
According to Kenya News Agency, the impacts of severe weather in recent years have led to casualties and significant damage to property and infrastructure, resulting in substantial economic losses for affected communities. Thiong'o explained that KMD consistently shares forecasts with relevant departments and humanitarian organizations to facilitate timely planning and response.
Thiong'o pointed out that humanitarian organizations, including the Kenya Red Cross, farmers' representatives, government departments led by the National Government Administration Officers (NGAO), and other institutions should collaborate closely to ensure timely dissemination of information to the targeted populations. At the county level, KMD officers interpret forecasts specific to their regions and communicate them in a way that reaches farmers and rural residents effectively.
He noted that stakeholders utilize media, particularly local FM radio stations popular among rural communities, to disseminate information, thus enabling coordinated mitigation efforts by humanitarian organizations and the government. Additionally, social media platforms like WhatsApp are used to share interpreted weather forecasts with communities.
Zakaria Misiani, a scientist from the Kenya Red Cross, stressed the importance of early warnings in enabling the organization to prepare and mobilize resources for humanitarian assistance. He highlighted the value of collaboration in minimizing casualties and alleviating human suffering during disasters such as droughts and floods.
Ebla Hassan, chairperson of the Garissa County farmers' association, praised KMD for their consistent forecasts, which have allowed farmers to prepare in advance of potential disasters.
The one-week workshop, organized by IGAD, brought together various stakeholders, including government departments, humanitarian organizations, youth, women, people with disabilities, local media, and livestock and irrigation farmers, to enhance collaborative efforts in addressing weather-related challenges.