Kenya is set to receive Ksh660 million to enhance its weather and climate information services through a transformative partnership with the UK government, the Kenya Meteorological Department (KMD), and other key stakeholders. 

The announcement was made yesterday at the COP29 summit by the UK Minister for Development, Anneliese Dodds.

The funding forms part of a broader £30 million (Ksh4.8 billion) investment in the Weather and Climate Information Services for Africa (WISER) programme, which aims to empower African nations to tackle escalating climate threats. 

Kenya’s share of the funding will focus on strengthening early warning systems and building community resilience, with a strong emphasis on supporting vulnerable groups, particularly women and girls.

Kenya’s vulnerability to extreme weather events has become increasingly evident in recent years. In 2023, the country experienced its worst drought in four decades, leaving millions in crisis, followed by devastating floods this year that displaced over 15,000 households. 

These recurring disasters underscore the urgent need for advanced weather forecasting systems to enable proactive disaster preparedness and safeguard lives and livelihoods.

Neil Wigan, the British High Commissioner to Kenya, highlighted the critical role of weather services in mitigating climate-related impacts. 

He noted that weather and climate services help communities better prepare for extreme events. 

He added that WISER has already supported farmers and communities across Kenya — from Lake Victoria to Kibera — in reducing the impact of severe weather. 

Wigan expressed optimism about the funding uplift, which will enhance early warning systems and support communities in preparing for climate shocks such as droughts and floods.

The funding will also strengthen partnerships with key institutions, including the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Climate Prediction and Applications Centre (ICPAC) and the Kenya Red Cross. 

These collaborations will bolster disaster response mechanisms, expand early warning capabilities, and empower communities to anticipate and mitigate the effects of climate hazards before they fully unfold.

The WISER programme has already delivered significant results, with enhanced early warning services reducing severe weather-related fatalities on Lake Victoria by 30%. 

Fishing communities have also benefited from economic gains estimated at Ksh5.6 billion, underscoring the programme’s tangible impact. 

One of its flagship initiatives, the DARAJA project, has transformed access to weather information for marginalized urban populations, such as residents of Nairobi’s Kibera slums. 

By co-designing innovative solutions delivered through radio and SMS, DARAJA has enabled communities to receive timely alerts about extreme weather, protecting their families and possessions.

Philip Omondi Amingo, Senior Climate Scientist at ICPAC, emphasized the transformative potential of this funding, stating that it will enhance the capacity of early warning and humanitarian institutions in Kenya. 

This will allow them to develop precise triggers and warnings ahead of predicted weather hazards, significantly reducing their impacts on communities.

The new funds will also focus on providing tailored weather services for high-risk regions such as Garissa and Tana River, which are particularly vulnerable to climate change. These efforts build on the recent launch of the WISER Kenya project in Garissa County, aimed at delivering localized, real-time climate information for arid and semi-arid areas. 

Garissa Deputy Governor Abdi Dagane stressed the urgency of these initiatives, noting that vulnerable communities in the region require timely and practical data to mitigate climate risks.

As Kenya continues to face the harsh realities of climate change, this groundbreaking partnership marks a significant step toward protecting livelihoods, reducing risks, and fostering sustainable development for its most vulnerable populations. 

The combination of enhanced early warning systems, strategic collaborations, and innovative community-driven solutions offers hope for a more resilient future.