KERICHO – During the World Meteorological Day celebration in Kericho, local leaders urged the Kenya Meteorological Department to enhance its weather forecasting services. The event, centered at the Meteorological Centre in Kericho Town, spotlighted the critical need for precise and timely weather information to support agricultural planning and operations.
According to Kenya News Agency, including Kericho Women Representative Beatrice Kemei, Emurua Dikir MP Johanna Ng’eno, and Ainamoi Legislator Benjamin Langat, there is a significant need for the Meteorological Department to deliver regular and reliable weather updates online. These updates are essential for farmers to make informed decisions regarding planting and harvesting, ultimately supporting their livelihoods and the local economy.
The legislators emphasized the department’s potential to leverage advanced technology for accurate weather monitoring and dissemination. They advocated for partnerships with media outlets to broadcast this crucial data, assisting not only farmers but also policymakers and the general public in navigating the impacts of weather on various sectors.
During the celebrations, Principal Secretary for the State Department for Environment, Climate Change and Forestry, Eng. Festus Ng’eno, highlighted the government’s efforts to refine the Meteorological Department’s responsiveness to Kenyan citizens’ needs. He acknowledged the department’s pivotal role in providing vital weather information that influences agricultural and economic activities.
Furthermore, KMD Director Dr. David Gikungu detailed the evolution of meteorological services in Kenya, underscoring their importance in enhancing agricultural productivity and industry. He noted how precise weather data underpins critical decisions in various sectors, from agriculture to environmental management.
The event also served as a platform for advocating environmental stewardship, with Kericho County Commissioner Gilbert Kitiyo emphasizing the importance of tree planting and ecosystem conservation. The day concluded with the planting of 3,000 tree seedlings, marking a step toward Kericho County’s ambitious goal of planting 16 million trees by year’s end.
The assembly of leaders, including Bomet Senator Hillary Sigey and representatives from various constituencies, reinforced the collective call for robust meteorological services that cater to the pressing needs of Kenya’s agricultural community and broader society.