Kenya is set to receive up to Ksh660 million for weather and information services in a partnership between the UK, Kenya Meteorological department and other partners.
The new development came at the sidelines of the COP29 climate conference. During the conference, UK Minister for Development Anneliese Dodds announced a £30million (Ksh4.8B) uplift to the WISER (Weather and Climate Information Services) Africa programme, which includes up to Ksh660 million (£4 million) of new funding for WISER Kenya.
The funds will go towards adaptation to climate hazards such as droughts, floods and storms, working with communities, particularly women and girls to understand and respond to their needs.
In partnership with the Kenya Meteorological Department, Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Climate Predictions and Applications Centre (ICPAC), and Kenya Red Cross, the WISER programme will enhance early warning and early action before disaster strikes, reducing humanitarian need and supporting drought-affected communities.
British High Commissioner to Kenya, Neil Wigan during an event.
Photo
Mondoweiss
In 2023, Kenya experienced the worst drought in 40 years, and this year, it experienced the most devastating floods which displaced more than 15,000 households.
This brought a greater need for enhancing weather and climate forecasting as it is essential in enabling households, government and humanitarian actors to take anticipatory action, reducing the risk to life and livelihoods due to extreme weather events.
While announcing the new development, Neil Wigan, UK High Commissioner to Kenya expressed his optimism at the funding, noting that it will go a long way in assisting Kenya in its disaster management.
“Through this funding uplift, we look forward to working with Kenya Meteorological Department and other partners to enhance early warning systems and support communities to prepare for climate shocks such as droughts and floods,” Wigan stated.
He also underscored the impact of the WISER programme in Kenya and the strides it has made in helping Kenya manage the severe effects of bad weather. He also reiterated the importance of weather and climate services in this regard.
“Weather and climate services help us all to prepare better. WISER has supported farmers and communities across Kenya – from Lake Victoria to Kibera – to anticipate and reduce the impact of severe weather,” he claimed.
The partnership with the UK follows Kenya’s broader plan to engage with foreign countries in a bid to address climate change in the country and beyond. While at the COP29 conference, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi secured a commitment from global leaders that will see African countries bag Ksh167 trillion to help counter climate-related challenges.
At the same time, Kenya has been listed amongst nine countries to benefit from Italy’s Mattei Plan in a deal worth Ksh756 billion. The initiative seeks to enhance Italy’s engagement with Africa. The plan provides multi-billion funding to advance climate and environmental objectives.
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi in Baku, November 13, 2024.
Photo
Ministry Of Environment
