The Cabinet Secretary (CS) for Environment, Climate Change and Forestry, Aden Duale, has urged the Kenya Meteorological Department (KMD) to conduct more research aimed at improving early warning services to help to mitigate measures for disaster management in the country.
Duale said early warning systems and early action will enhance preparation and limit the impact of extreme weather, hence helping in averting loss of lives and destruction of property.
He said weather reports enabled policy makers and other stakeholders to put in place advance actions to mitigate adverse impacts of weather and climate.
These he said in a speech read on his behalf Sunday by the Principal Secretary, State Department of Environment and Climate Change, Dr. Eng. Festus Ng’eno, during the World Meteorological Day (WMD) held at Makindu Meteorological Station.
“I wish to commend KMD for timely weather and climate information that is useful to all users. I encourage the department to conduct more research aimed at improving early warning services and mitigation measures for disasters within the country,” said Duale.
“It is imperative, therefore, to further improve understanding of climate and make better use of climate information to address societal needs in a world characterised by population growth, changes in land use, urbanisation, challenges in ensuring food security, and managing water sources and energy,” he said.
At the same time, he said the value of meteorological services to national development through research and production of weather forecasts and services, the Ministry has been able to run campaigns aimed at restoring our degraded environment by planting 15 billion tree-growing programmes.
The CS further said accurate weather and climate prediction helped to boost food production, while integrating epidemiology and climate information assisted in understanding and managing climate-related diseases.
Duale said the world has experienced extreme floods and droughts that were attributed to climate change, noting Kenya, like other nations in Africa, has reported an increase in climate-related disasters.
“KMD is endeavouring to partner with stakeholders to achieve climate action, disaster risk reduction and the Sustainable Development Goals, the Bottom-up Transformation Agenda (BETA) and other government policies,” Duale said.
“This calls for timely, suitable and effective responses and interventions to minimise the loss of life, livelihoods, property and damage to the natural environment,” posed the CS.
He encouraged all Kenyans to participate in the 15 billion tree-growing programme being led by the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, and Forestry, saying the trees planted were to be nurtured to maturity in a bid to increase forest cover and minimise negative effects of climate change.
“I implore the county government to ensure that climate change policies and plans from the county are implemented to ensure that vulnerable communities are protected against vagaries of extreme weather and climate changes,” he said.
Makueni Governor, Mutula Kilonzo Jr said his administration was investing in water harvesting and conservation techniques in an effort to promote climate-smart agriculture and embracing solar energy solutions to provide sustainable power to communities.
Mutula said the measures were not only aimed at reducing the vulnerability of the agricultural sector but were also creating new economic opportunities for the people, saying this was addressing adverse weather and climate effects emanating from climate change.
“We view these challenges not merely as obstacles but as opportunities to innovate, adapt, and build a resilient future. In response to the realities of climate change, we have embarked on transformative initiatives like water harvesting and conservation techniques,” said Mutula in a speech read on his behalf by the County Executive Committee Member (CECM), Nicolas Nzioka.
He said that it was imperative to have early warning systems that would warn people of the impending weather-related disasters so as to put in place anticipatory actions that will avert loss of lives and reduce economic losses.
Regional Director of the World Meteorological Organisation, Hobsile Sikhosana, called for collaboration by all stakeholders in an effort to ensure that gaps in the early warning system were filled by 2027.
Present at the event were Kibwezi West and East Members of Parliament Mwengi Mutuse and Jessica Mbalu, respectively; Nominated MP Joseph Wainaina; Makueni County Commissioner (CC) Duncan Darusi; KMD Director Dr. David Gikungu; Smachs Foundation CEO Charlene Ruto; NEMA Director General Mamo Mamo; and NEMA Chairperson Emilio Mugo, among others.
By Patrick Nyakundi
