NAIROBI, Kenya — Kenya has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing climate services and strengthening regional cooperation to enhance resilience and sustainable development across the Greater Horn of Africa.
Speaking at the opening of the 72nd Greater Horn of Africa Climate Outlook Forum (GHACOF 72) in Nairobi, Principal Secretary for Environment and Climate Change, Eng. Festus K. Ng’eno emphasized the critical role of climate information, early warning systems, and science-based decision-making in addressing the region’s growing climate risks.
The forum, held under the theme “Advancing Climate Services for Resilient Communities and Sustainable Development in the Greater Horn of Africa,” brought together government officials, climate scientists, regional institutions, development partners, and the private sector from across the IGAD region and beyond.
“Climate change is no longer a distant threat; it is a present reality that continues to undermine food security, water resources, livelihoods, infrastructure, and ecosystems across our region,” said PS Ng’eno.
𝗞𝗲𝗻𝘆𝗮 𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗿 𝗖𝗹𝗶𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗕𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱 𝗥𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗮𝘁 𝗚𝗛𝗔𝗖𝗢𝗙 𝟳𝟮The Government of Kenya has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing climate services and strengthening regional cooperation
He noted that communities in the Greater Horn of Africa face increasingly frequent and intense droughts, floods, heatwaves, and storms, making climate services more essential than ever.
PS Ng’eno highlighted that effective climate services, including seasonal forecasts, early warning systems, and impact-based advisories, are a public good and a cornerstone for protecting lives, livelihoods, and development gains.
He stressed the need to translate climate information into actionable insights accessible to policymakers, farmers, pastoralists, and other vulnerable groups.
Kenya also reaffirmed its commitment to regional and international collaboration through IGAD, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), and national meteorological and hydrological services.
He called for enhanced investment in climate science, data sharing, capacity building, and the integration of climate information into national and local development planning.
The forum is expected to issue a consensus seasonal climate outlook for the coming months, providing guidance to governments, humanitarian agencies, and sectoral users across the Greater Horn of Africa.
Kenya pledged to continue playing a leading role in advancing climate action, strengthening regional resilience, and promoting sustainable development.
The event was also attended by Mr. Edward Muriuki, Director of the Kenya Meteorological Department, among other regional and international delegates.
