This archive report was first published on 11 November 2019.
The Kenya Meteorological Department, a crucial institution for weather forecasting and global weather information exchange, has been plagued by a power struggle and allegations of corruption.
Located in Dagoretti Corner along Ngong road, the department hosts several international organizations dealing with weather issues, including ICPAC, World Meteorological Organisation, and IGAD Climate Prediction and Application Centre.
Approximately ten countries rely on the information exchange facilitated by the department, making it a vital hub for regional weather forecasting and national security.
Despite its importance, the department's security has been neglected, with Administration Police officers only deployed last year to provide security.
However, the security measures are still inadequate, with low morale among the officers manning the facility, who feel demeaned by the met leadership and are required to perform tasks that should be handled by private security guards.
A power struggle among the directors has led to tension at the regional weather headquarters, with Deputy Director Roselyn Ojala facing victimization and intimidation after applying for the director's position in November 2018.
Ojala was interdicted in January 2019, allegedly for absenteeism, and her salary was stopped. She was later reinstated in October 2019, but her case is still pending, with a show-cause letter signed by the same senior officer in the HR department.
The department's management has been accused of silencing dissent through stress and intimidation, with some senior staff members dying due to stress. The situation has led to unease within the department, with staff and their families facing punishment, including the cutting of piped water supply to their residential houses.
