Weatherman advocates for collaboration to mitigate adverse weather

Jacob Songok- KNA 

The Kenya Meteorological Department (KMD) has urged stakeholders to strengthen collaboration to effectively mitigate the impacts of extreme weather.

Addressing participants at a weather forecast workshop in Garissa, KMD Deputy Director Kennedy Thiong’o noted that the department had consistently shared its forecasts with relevant government agencies and humanitarian organizations to support timely planning and response to adverse weather conditions.

He emphasized that humanitarian organizations including the Kenya Red Cross in cooperation with farmers’ representatives, government departments led by the National Government Administration Officers (NGAOs), and other relevant institutions, need to work closely to ensure timely dissemination of weather information to affected communities.

According to the department, severe weather events in recent years has led to losses and wreaked havoc by destroying property and infrastructure, triggering major economic losses for communities in the affected regions.

Thiong’o noted that county-level officers interpreted weather forecasts for their specific jurisdictions and translated them into simplified language to effectively reach farmers and rural communities.

“The stakeholders use the media, especially the local FM radio stations that are popular among the rural folks to pass this information to allow for mitigation measures from relevant humanitarian organizations in coordination with the government,” he said. 

He added that the department also utilizes social media platforms such as WhatsApp groups to share localized weather forecasts interpreted by field officers, ensuring timely access to critical information.

Zakaria Misiani, a scientist from the Kenya Red Cross said early warnings on adverse weather enables the organization to prepare early and mobilize resources necessary for humanitarian assistance to the victims.  

“As an organization we would want to minimize casualties and human suffering in the event of drought, floods or any other disaster. This engagement gives us an opportunity to interact and improve our collaboration so that together we can work as a team to assist our people,” he explained. 

Ebla Hassan, the Chairperson of the Garissa County Farmers’ Association, commended the Kenya Meteorological Department for consistently providing forecasts that enable members to prepare early and reduce the impact of disasters.

The one-week workshop was organised by IGAD and brought together government departments, humanitarian organizations, women, youth, persons with disabilities, local media, and livestock and irrigation farmers to strengthen coordination and inclusive disaster preparedness.