Kenya is modernizing its meteorological services as part of the ongoing broad enhancement of early warning and disaster response mechanisms in the face of worsening climate change induced crises.

Environment and Climate Change Principal Secretary Dr. Eng. Festus Ng’eno, Monday inaugurated the Training of Trainers Course on Use of Meteosat (PUMA) and Climate Services and Related Applications (ClimSA).

The training underscores Kenya’s commitment to tackling climate change through shared expertise and regional partnerships. In his address, Dr. Ng’eno emphasized the event’s importance as a platform for experts to share insights and collaborate.

“Thanks to the support from the African Union Commission and funding from the European Union through the ClimSA program, PUMA and ClimSA stations have been newly installed and upgraded at ICPAC, Kenya Meteorological Department (KMD), and the WMO Regional Training Centre (RTC) at the Institute for Meteorological Training and Research (IMTR),” PS Ng’eno said.

He added: “These advancements equip African nations with crucial tools for effective responses to regional climate and weather challenges.”

Dr. Ng’eno acknowledged EUMETCast Africa’s ongoing role in providing real-time satellite data from EUMETSAT. The new PUMA and ClimSA stations enable regional climate centers and National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHSs) to leverage advanced data from the Meteosat Third Generation satellites.

The progress significantly enhances the capacity for accurate short-term weather forecasts, vital for sectors such as agriculture, disaster management, and public safety across the continent.

With climate change increasingly impacting lives, economies, and ecosystems, Kenya has prioritized technology and innovation in climate information services through the National Climate Change Action Plan (2023-2027).

The priority areas include developing county-specific Climate Information Services (CIS) plans, which have already been implemented in 15 counties to improve access to essential climate data. Dr. Ng’eno expressed gratitude to the African Union Commission, EUMETSAT, and ICPAC for their commitment to strengthening Kenya’s meteorological capabilities.

“The training not only celebrates the progress made but also encourages continued collaboration and innovation to ensure that climate information remains accessible and impactful,” Dr. Ng’eno concluded.