By Dorothy Musyoka
Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry, Hon. Aden Duale, has called on the Kenya Meteorological Department (KMD) to consistently provide accurate and reliable weather forecasts to help the country navigate the escalating challenges of climate change.
The Cabinet Secretary said weather information is critical to the Kenya’s overall wellbeing in the wake of the worsening global climate change crisis.
CS Duale underscored that accurate weather forecasts are vital for various sectors of the Kenyan economy, including agriculture, transportation, disaster management, and tourism.
“This institution is critical. Not only to Kenya but to the entire world. Aviation experts depend on your information.The Ministry of Agriculture use your information to plan Kenya’s food security,” CS Duale said.
Recalling some of KMD’s recent highly publicized weather forecasts, which had varying levels of accuracy, CS Duale challenged the institution to enhance its forecast precision and ensure that predictions are always based on robust data.
“The Kenya Meteorological Department must ensure that its predictions are timely and verifiable,” CS Duale said.
He stressed that in light of the climate change crisis, the need for improved accuracy and reliability in weather forecasting has never been more urgent.
In his address, CS Duale called for capacity building within the Kenya Meteorological Department to leverage advanced technologies and methodologies for weather prediction.
He emphasized the need for continuous training and upgrading of KMD’s equipment and systems to keep up with global standards. This, he said, would not only enhance the accuracy of forecasts but also build trust among stakeholders who depend on KMD’s services.
On the ongoing legislative process to transform the institution into a semi-autonomous state entity, Hon. Duale said he will see to it that the Meteorogical Bill currently before parliament will be passed.
CS Duale’s remarks come at a time when Kenya and the broader East African region are grappling with unpredictable weather patterns, largely attributed to climate change.
As Kenya continues to face the realities of climate change, the government remains committed to supporting institutions like the Kenya Meteorological Department in their crucial role of providing reliable weather information that supports sustainable development and safeguards livelihoods.