Kenya Secures Sh660 Million Boost to Modernize Weather Warning Systems

The Weather and Climate Information Services (WISER) in Kenya is set to receive Sh660 million as part of a larger £30 million (Ksh4.8B) WISER Africa program announced by UK Minister for Development Anneliese Dodds. This new funding will support adaptation efforts against climate hazards such as droughts, floods, and storms, with a particular focus on working with communities, especially women and girls, to address their specific needs.

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The project has proven effective in local communities, including Kibera, where it has implemented weather information systems using radio and SMS communications. This approach has enabled residents to take protective measures for themselves and their property. British High Commissioner Neil Wigan highlighted how WISER has supported farmers and communities across Kenya, from Lake Victoria to Kibera, in anticipating and reducing the impact of severe weather events.

Previous WISER initiatives have shown significant impact, particularly around Lake Victoria, where improved weather forecasts led to a 30% reduction in severe weather-related deaths and generated $44 million (Ksh5.6B) in economic benefits for fishing communities. According to Philip Omondi Amingo, Senior Climate Scientist at ICPAC, this new funding will strengthen the capacity of early warning and humanitarian institutions in Kenya to develop effective triggers and warnings ahead of predicted weather and climate hazards.

Looking forward, WISER aims to continue its collaboration with the Kenyan Meteorological Department and other partners to enhance Early Warning Systems and support communities in preparing for climate shocks. The program emphasizes that enhancing weather and climate forecasting is crucial for enabling households, government, and humanitarian actors to take anticipatory action, ultimately reducing risks to both life and livelihoods during extreme weather events.

Here’s what it means for you:

1. Your local community will be better connected to emergency response systems.
2. Reduced losses from extreme weather events as you’ll be able to take preventive action.
3. Potentially lower costs for recovery after weather events since you can prepare in advance.

Source; Announcement by Neil Wigan, UK High Commissioner to Kenya.

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