Kenya’s Environment CS Dr. Deborah Barasa Applauds ICPAC’s Role in Regional Climate Resilience

*Kibiko, Ngong – August 29, 2025*

In a show of continued commitment to regional climate cooperation, Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Climate Change and Forestry, Dr. Deborah Barasa, today visited the headquarters of the IGAD Climate Prediction and Applications Centre (ICPAC) in Kibiko, Ngong. The visit marked a milestone in strengthening collaboration between Kenya and regional climate institutions, with the CS applauding ICPAC’s contributions to climate science and resilience in the Greater Horn of Africa.

Welcomed by ICPAC Director Dr. Abdi Fidar and his team, Dr. Barasa engaged in discussions with the leadership and technical staff on shared priorities, regional partnerships, and the role of climate services in transforming communities across East Africa.

“ICPAC plays a vital role in climate monitoring, prediction, and early warning systems that serve millions across the Greater Horn of Africa,” Dr. Barasa remarked. “Your scientific excellence and unwavering dedication are helping to shape a more climate-resilient future for our region.”

The CS lauded ICPAC’s impact through platforms like the *Greater Horn of Africa Climate Outlook Forums (GHACOF)*, which bring together regional experts to forecast seasonal weather patterns and develop coordinated responses. She highlighted Kenya’s active engagement in these forums as a reflection of its strong commitment to evidence-based policymaking and regional integration under the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) framework.

Kenya, she noted, has made strides in leveraging climate data to inform national planning in critical sectors such as agriculture, disaster risk management, and water resources achievements made possible in part by ICPAC’s regional forecasts and early warning systems.

“Early warning saves lives and livelihoods,” Dr. Barasa emphasized. “By enhancing our collaboration with institutions like ICPAC, and strengthening coordination with our own Kenya Meteorological Department, we can ensure forecasts are not only accurate but timely and locally relevant.”

Looking ahead, Dr. Barasa reiterated Kenya’s intent to deepen its partnerships under the Horn of Africa Initiative, a regional effort to foster resilience and sustainable development in the face of escalating climate threats. She confirmed her participation in the upcoming Africa Climate Summit scheduled for October in Addis Ababa, where key dialogues on regional climate services and integration will be held.

The summit will also see Dr. Barasa attend pivotal sessions, including the unveiling of the *Regional Framework on Climate Services and the opening of the Regional Editors’ Meeting on October 1st*. These engagements, she noted, are critical in shaping how climate information is communicated, understood, and acted upon across the region.

In a gesture symbolizing Kenya’s commitment to regional unity and shared climate goals, the CS extended an invitation to ICPAC to join the forthcoming Mazingira Day celebrations Kenya’s national environmental awareness day. “We must continue working hand-in-hand to build a climate-resilient Horn of Africa,” she concluded.

Dr. Barasa was accompanied by a high-level delegation including Environment Secretary Dr. Selly Kimosop, Director of Policy, Research and Regulations Ms. Wangare Kirumba, and Technical Advisor Ms. Metrine Too.

The visit not only underscored the critical role of scientific institutions like ICPAC in shaping Africa’s climate future but also reaffirmed Kenya’s leading voice in championing regional cooperation for a more sustainable and climate-resilient continent.