Thumbs up to KMD for accurate weather predictions – PS

26 March, 2018

Director KMD Peter Ambenje gives a momento to PS Charles Sunkuli during the WMD 2018 celebrations at KMD hqs. The momento is a satellite photo showing cloud formation for Africa. Looking on is Stella Aura, IMTR Principal

Principal Secretary Charles Sunkuli has commended Kenya Meteorological Department (KMD) for its accurate weather predictions which he attributed to its dedicated scientists and modern weather applications. He promised to continue supporting the institution to build capacity to ensure that highest standards in climate prediction are maintained.

Sunkuli said this when he represented the Cabinet Secretary Keriako Tobiko during national celebrations to mark the World Meteorological Day 2018 that were held at the KMD headquarters in Nairobi. The theme for WMD 2018 is weather-ready, climate smart.

In a speech read on his behalf, Tobiko said that the Ministry had embarked on a campaign to restore 10% tree cover by the year 2022 and the ongoing rainy season is very helpful. He noted that the roll out of this campaign in the whole country during this season has been informed by the forecast provided by the Kenya Meteorological Department.

‘Early warning systems and other disaster risk reduction measures are vital for boosting the resilience of our communities. Climate services can inform decisions on both climate change mitigation and adaptation’, he observed.

Tobiko also commended and encouraged Climate Scientists to conduct more research aimed at improving early warning systems and mitigation measures for disasters, for the safety of our people and protection of their property.

‘Natural hazards pose very serious threats to human security. Climate variability is a normal component of the climate system and as such climate extremes such as floods and drought are bound to recur in future. The critical issue is therefore, to improve the existing early warning systems to provide information in advance on expected conditions for use in planning, preparedness and mitigation of adverse impacts of the extreme conditions’, he avered.

The Kenya Meteorological Department (KMD) has been providing timely early warning advisories and disseminating them through various publishing media.  This gesture by the Department has significantly increased the demand for and use of climate information and prediction products in the country. Decision makers in various climate sensitive sectors such as agriculture, aviation, water resources, health, disaster management and energy, among others have the opportunity to plan ahead for anticipated impacts based on the forecasts provided by the Department.

To reach all their stakeholders, Kenya Meteorological Department has established County Meteorological offices in all the 47 counties in Kenya. These County offices have made it possible for the Department to provide vital weather information to all the users within the local community they serve and this has helped the Counties put in place mitigation measures which have aided in averting and reducing any weather related hazards.

The establishment of the RAdio InterNET (RANET) radio stations has also played a very key role in providing vulnerable communities with timely and accurate weather data in their local language to assist them in mitigating against climate change.

The World Meteorological Day (WMD) is an annual event that is celebrated every year on 23 March to commemorate the establishment of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) in 1950 to keep constant watch on the weather and climate for the safety and well-being of society. It is commemorated by the almost 191 Member Countries (represented by National Meteorological Services like the Kenya Meteorological Department) of WMO worldwide as well as the worldwide meteorological communities. The celebrations commenced in 1960. The day was designed to make the work of National Meteorological and Hydrological Services better known and appreciated by the public of all countries.