Kenya’s Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry recently hosted a groundbreaking Training of Trainers Course focused on Climate Information Services (CIS). This initiative aims to improve weather observation and climate data management across Africa, enabling the continent to better respond to the escalating impacts of climate change.
Commitment to Climate Information Services
The Kenyan government has made a firm commitment to cascade Climate Information Services to all 47 counties, leveraging indigenous knowledge and engaging local communities in the co-production of climate information. This approach aims to tailor climate services to the specific needs of each locality, ensuring that the information provided is relevant and actionable. As of now, 15 counties have developed their CIS Plans, which account for 63% of the national target. This milestone reflects Kenya’s dedication to improving access to climate information at both institutional and household levels, which is critical for effective decision-making and planning.
Dr. Festus Ng’eno, the Permanent Secretary for Climate Change and Forestry, emphasized the importance of integrating climate information into planning and implementation processes. He noted that the preparation of county-specific CIS plans has been a collaborative effort involving the Kenya Meteorological Department (KMD) and various partners. This collaboration aims to enhance the institutional capacity to utilize climate information effectively.
Regional Collaboration and Capacity Building
The recent training event, held in Nairobi, brought together experts from various African countries to foster collaboration and knowledge sharing in climate and meteorological development. PS Ng’eno welcomed participants and highlighted the significance of the training platform in uniting a wealth of expertise and experience. He reiterated Kenya’s pride in hosting such a crucial initiative, which is expected to bolster the region’s capacity to tackle climate and weather-related challenges.
This training was particularly notable for its focus on the PUMA (Processing and Understanding Meteorological Data) and ClimSA (Climate Services and Applications) systems. These advanced systems are designed to improve the quality and accessibility of climate data, enabling National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHSs) across Africa to enhance their forecasting and monitoring capabilities. The integration of these systems represents a substantial step forward in addressing the continent’s pressing climate issues.
Support from Regional and International Partners
The success of this training initiative has been greatly supported by organizations such as the African Union Commission and the European Union, which have provided crucial resources under the ClimSA program. Dr. Ng’eno expressed gratitude for their contributions, emphasizing that their support has been instrumental in enhancing Kenya’s meteorological infrastructure. This includes the installation and upgrading of new PUMA and ClimSA stations at the IGAD Climate Prediction and Applications Centre (ICPAC), the Kenya Meteorological Department, and the World Meteorological Organization’s Regional Training Centre.
Furthermore, advancements in satellite technology are set to revolutionize climate monitoring across Africa. Ng’eno referenced EUMETCast Africa, which serves as the continent’s primary mechanism for near real-time access to EUMETSAT satellite data. This technology provides access to high-resolution data from the latest Meteosat Third Generation (MTG) satellites, significantly improving the capabilities of NMHSs to conduct nowcasting and short-range forecasting. With more accurate and timely weather information, countries can better anticipate and respond to extreme weather events.
Addressing the Urgency of Climate Change
Dr. Ng’eno’s remarks during the training underscored the urgency of addressing climate change impacts, which have become increasingly evident in Kenya and the broader African region. He pointed to recent extreme weather events, including prolonged droughts and intense flooding, which have disrupted economies and affected the daily lives of millions. As climate change poses a direct threat to lives, livelihoods, ecosystems, and economies, it is crucial for African nations to prioritize the integration of climate information into their development strategies.
In response to these challenges, Kenya has implemented the National Climate Change Action Plan (2023–2027), which emphasizes the use of technology and innovation in climate information services. This plan aims to strengthen the country’s capacity to monitor, predict, and respond to climate-related issues effectively. The training initiative aligns perfectly with these objectives, empowering participants to leverage new tools and knowledge to enhance climate resilience in their respective countries.
Building on Progress and Sharing Insights
As the training progressed, Dr. Ng’eno encouraged participants to fully engage in the learning experience, stressing the importance of building on current progress and sharing valuable insights. He highlighted the necessity of creating actionable strategies that ensure the outputs of the PUMA and ClimSA systems are accessible to all stakeholders, including policymakers, farmers, and communities vulnerable to climate impacts.
This collaborative approach to climate information services not only enhances the capacity of African nations to respond to climate change but also fosters regional solidarity in tackling shared challenges. By pooling resources and knowledge, countries can develop more robust systems that are better equipped to handle the complexities of climate variability and extreme weather events.
Conclusion
Kenya’s initiative to host the Training of Trainers Course on Climate Information Services marks a significant step towards strengthening the continent’s capacity to address the challenges posed by climate change. By integrating indigenous knowledge, promoting regional collaboration, and leveraging advanced meteorological technologies, African nations can enhance their ability to predict and respond to climate impacts effectively.
The commitment shown by the Kenyan government, along with the support from regional and international partners, highlights the collective effort required to build climate resilience in Africa. As countries continue to develop and implement their Climate Information Services Plans, the knowledge and skills gained from this training will be invaluable in creating a more sustainable and resilient future for the continent.
In a world where climate change is no longer a distant concern but a present reality, the importance of such initiatives cannot be overstated. They represent not only a proactive response to an urgent issue but also a commitment to safeguarding the livelihoods and well-being of millions across Africa. The journey towards effective climate information services is just beginning, and the lessons learned from this training will undoubtedly shape the future of climate resilience in the region.
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