Forecasting
The Kenya Meteorological Department (KMD) together with the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) Regional Training Centre (RTC) and Institute for Meteorological Training and Research (IMTR) has received and installed the Intra-ACP Climate Services and Related Applications Systems (ClimSA) with the aim of delivering Preparation for Use of Meteosat in Africa (PUMA) applications and system training to over 200 forecasters and technical experts that will improve forecasting techniques in the African region
The ClimSA program is supported by the European Union, through the Africa Union Commission to install 56 meteorological data access infrastructure PUMA stations and Climate service for sustainable Adaptation Actions Infrastructure (ClimSA Systems) by the end of the project.
The system further aims to utilise imagery and data captured via satellite to provide tailored weather updates and warnings which in turn supports sectors including agriculture, disaster management and public safety across the Sub-Saharan Africa countries and train experts on system hardware and administration, maintenance, troubleshooting and practical sessions on using the new technology.
Speaking virtually from his office in Nairobi, the Principal Secretary (PS) for Environment and Climate Change Dr. Festus Ng’eno maintained that the government is ready to support the improvement of meteorological infrastructure in order to enhance observation techniques that will ensure reliable, timely and accurate climate information for decision making.
He insisted that the platform unites a wealth of expertise, knowledge, and experience from across regions and focuses on fostering invaluable insights that strengthens the collective response to the weather and climate change challenges faced.
Principal Secretary (PS) for Environment and Climate Change Dr Festus Nge’no speaking Virtually at his office during the opening of the Training of Trainers Course on Preparation for Use of Meteosat in Africa (PUMA) and the Intra-ACP Climate Services and Related Applications (ClimSA) Systems held at the Kenya Meteorological Department (KMD) Headquarters Dagoretti Corner, Nairobi on Monday November 4, 2024.
The PS acknowledged support from the African Union Commission and funding by the European Union under the ClimSA program to enhance the meteorological infrastructure terming the recent installation and upgrade of PUMA and ClimSA stations at the IGAD Climate Prediction and Applications Centre (ICPAC), the Kenya Meteorological Department (KMD), and the WMO Regional Training Centre (RTC) at IMTR are milestones that can be celebrated.
“EUMETCast Africa (the European Organisation for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellite) remains the continent’s primary mechanism for near real-time access to EUMETSAT satellite data,” he disclosed, adding that through PUMA and ClimSA stations, the Regional Climate Centers and the National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHSs) in Africa can now harness advanced observations and data from the Meteosat Third Generation (MTG) satellites.
Additionally, Dr Ng’eno noted that with higher-resolution and more frequent observations, Kenya will now improve casting and short-range forecasting in order to empower NMHSs to better monitor and respond to critical weather events. This capability, according to the PS, is essential in supporting various sectors including Agriculture, Disaster Management and Public Safety, through targeted weather updates and alerts.
He added that Climate Change is not only a longer distant concern but also a reality that affects the lives and livelihoods of the people, threatens ecosystems, and unsettles economies.
“In recent years, our region has faced extreme events, from prolonged droughts to intense flooding, disrupting economies and daily life alike. Given these challenges, timely and accurate early warning climate reports are more crucial than ever,” he stressed.
Further, Dr Nge’no noted that by enhancing the observation, calibration and analytical systems, critical insights can be gained into the impacts of climate change through the National Climate Change Action Plan for the year 2023-2027 since the Ministry has prioritized technology and innovation in the provision of climate information services as an enabler to delivery of timely climate action.
“The integration of climate information into planning and implementation has been supported through county-specific Climate Information Services (CIS) plans prepared by KMD in collaboration with partners,” stated the PS, adding that fifteen counties have developed their CIS Plans which represents 63 percent of the national target based on local needs and contributes to the improved access and use of climate information at both institutional and household levels.
He at the same time announced that CIS will be cascaded to all 47 counties and sub-counties while tapping essential indigenous knowledge and co-producing climate information with local communities.
On the other hand, Dr Ng’eno applauded the AUC, EUMETSAT and ICPAC for their steadfast support and commitment to the Kenya Meteorological Department and for their collaborative achievements that have enabled the provision of vital equipment and capacity-building resources.
“As we inaugurate this training course, I encourage all of us to build on the progress made, share knowledge and develop innovative strategies to ensure that the products and services from these newly upgraded systems are accessible, actionable and impactful,” urged the PS.
In his remarks, KMD Director Dr David Gikungu said that the Department is honored to partner with the AUC and EUMETSAT to train technical teams from National Meteorological and Hydrological Centres of the African region. He noted that with the increase in frequency and severity of high impact severe weather events, a need for satellite data and products with a higher spatial and temporal resolution is needed.
Meanwhile, a trainee from Kenya Kizito Auma said that the training will enhance the forecasting skills of the National Meteorological and Hydrological Services in the country which, in turn, will contribute to a better forecast for the users of weather and climate information.