Kenya Strengthens Climate Resilience as Celeste Saulo Champions Early Warnings for All

Nairobi, 17 July 2025 – The Secretary-General of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), Celeste Saulo, has held high-level talks with H.E. Dr. William Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya, aimed at bolstering meteorological and climate services and advancing the Early Warnings for All (EW4ALL) initiative. The discussions took place at State House, Nairobi, during Saulo’s two-day official visit to Kenya, which also hosts a WMO sub-regional office.

“Accurate data and early warning systems are essential for building climate resilience and achieving sustainable development. We are proud to contribute meaningfully to the global climate agenda and to play a critical role in our region,” President Ruto said following the meeting.

Taking to social media, President Ruto wrote on X that by partnering with the private sector, development partners and the WMO, Kenya seeks to modernise vital equipment and technical infrastructure to strengthen its national capacity. “We look forward to deepening this vital partnership for the benefit of our region and the world,” he added.

Kenya is among several African countries that launched the EW4ALL initiative in May 2025. Spearheaded by United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, the initiative’s goal is to ensure that everyone on Earth is protected by early warning systems by 2027.

Saulo reaffirmed WMO’s commitment to supporting Kenya’s National Meteorological and Hydrological Services to deliver timely and reliable weather and climate information. “WMO recognises the critical role of meteorological services to any nation’s stability and growth. It is essential that governments fully support their meteorological institutions to provide early warnings and climate services that inform critical decisions in agriculture, health, water, energy and disaster management,” she said.

Currently, only about 40 per cent of Africa’s population has access to early warning systems, according to WMO’s Performance Monitoring System. To address this gap, the Early Warning for All in Africa Action Plan has been designed in alignment with Agenda 2063 ‘The Africa We Want’ and the Africa Climate Change Strategy.

Highlighting the national commitment to this effort, Hon. Dr. Deborah Mlongo Barasa, Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry, said, “The Government of Kenya recognises the vital role played by meteorological services in disaster risk reduction, climate adaptation and sustainable development. We remain committed to strengthening these services to ensure no one is left behind.”

“This visit affirms Kenya’s partnership with the WMO and our joint commitment to providing timely and accurate weather and climate information to all,” noted Dr. David Gikungu, Permanent Representative of Kenya with WMO and Director of the Kenya Meteorological Department.

Following the engagements in Nairobi, Saulo and WMO Assistant Secretary-General Thomas Asare continued their mission to Ethiopia, where the WMO’s regional office for Africa is located.

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