This archive report was first published on 27 September 2019.
Kenya's weather forecasting system has been a subject of controversy in recent years, with many questioning its accuracy and reliability. The Kenya National Meteorological Authority Act, which is set to come into effect next year, aims to transform the old department in the Ministry of Environment into an autonomous Authority with its own budget.
However, critics argue that the Act does not go far enough in ensuring that the new Authority is equipped with modern equipment to make accurate and up-to-date predictions. This is particularly concerning given the devastating impact of floods, landslides, and other disasters on communities across the country.
According to the Act, the Authority is not liable for any damage or loss sustained by individuals as a result of relying on its meteorological information. This means that if a person's car is swept away by flash floods after being assured by the weatherman that it won't rain, they are on their own.
The department has been more reliable in predicting drought in the country, but the national and county governments have been slow to act on forward planning, often resorting to fire-fighting tactics when it's too late.
Early this year, the national government declared a drought emergency affecting 23 counties after the short rains failed last year. More than 2.7 million Kenyans had to rely on relief food, but it was not available until a number had starved to death.
As the country grapples with the challenges of climate change, it is imperative that the weather forecasting system is reformed to ensure that it is accurate, reliable, and accountable. This requires a commitment to investing in modern equipment and technology, as well as a willingness to take responsibility for any damage or loss caused by its predictions.
