Northern Kenya needs better weather forecast communication, says met department

The Kenya Meteorological Department has urged the strengthening of early warning systems and increased media engagement to ensure the timely dissemination of weather information to farmers and pastoralists in northern Kenya.

Speaking in Garissa during a week-long forum organised by IGAD on co-production, communication, validation, and capacity building for drought forecasting, the department's Deputy Director, Kennedy Thiong’o, highlighted the devastating impact of severe weather in the region, including loss of lives, destruction of property and infrastructure, and major economic losses.

"We are calling for increased media engagement, particularly local FM radio stations and utilising social media for timely updates and warnings," he said.

He stressed that improved early warning systems would enable communities—particularly farmers and pastoralists—to take timely precautions and reduce potential losses during extreme weather events.

Localise weather data

Thiong’ also urged county-level meteorological officers to localise weather data and communicate it in languages and formats easily understood by the communities they serve.

Zakaria Misiani, a scientist with the Kenya Red Cross, noted that timely warnings on droughts and floods would allow donors, partners, and local organisations to plan and mobilise resources in advance.

He expressed concern that the lack of adequate weather forecasts and early warnings has led to significant loss of livelihoods among pastoralists and farmers.

Ebla Hassan, the secretary of the Garissa Farmers Network, echoed the call to strengthen early warning systems, particularly for farmers along the River Tana Basin who have been repeatedly affected by flooding.

"We have been caught unaware several times, although the meteorological department and Kenya Red Cross recently improved, creating awareness on floods. We need to be regularly updated to take early warning action and mitigate risks," she said.

The week-long forum brought together government agencies, humanitarian organisations, community representatives, the media, and both crop and livestock farmers to develop localised, impact-based forecasts aimed at empowering communities to take early action and reduce the risks posed by extreme climate events.

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