Kenya secures millions in funding at COP29 for climate and weather programme

In Baku, Azerbaijan

Kenya has secured Sh660 million from the UK government to improve its weather and climate information services. 

The funds are part of a Sh4.8 billion (£30 million) boost to the Weather and Climate Information Services (WISER)  Africa programme, initiated in 2015 to support vulnerable communities in adapting to the growing threat of extreme weather events such as droughts, floods, and storms, and working with communities to respond to the needs of women and girls.

The announcement was made at the ongoing climate talks “COP29” in Baku, Azerbaijan by UK minister Anneliese Dodds.

The funding comes as Kenya reels from back-to-back climate crises, including its worst drought in 40 years in 2023 and devastating floods this year that left more than 200 dead and displaced more than 15,000 households.

At COP29, world leaders have highlighted the urgency of preparing vulnerable populations for the accelerating impacts of climate change. UN Secretary-General António Guterres said, “ In this era of climate catastrophe, early warning systems and protection from extreme heat are not luxuries. They are necessities. And sound investments: Early warning systems provide an almost ten-fold return

The WISER Kenya initiative, implemented in partnership with the Kenya Meteorological Department (KMD), IGAD Climate Predictions and Applications Centre (ICPAC), and the Kenya Red Cross, seeks to enhance early warning systems and empower communities to take action before disaster strikes.

Neil Wigan, the British High Commissioner to Kenya, underscored the critical role of weather forecasting in saving lives and protecting livelihoods.

“Extreme weather events are no longer rare occurrences—they are becoming the norm,” he said. “WISER has already supported farmers, fishermen, and communities across Kenya, from Lake Victoria to Kibera, to anticipate and reduce the impact of severe weather. This funding will help scale those efforts, improving early warning systems and supporting communities to prepare for future climate shocks.”

The funding is particularly targeted at arid and semi-arid areas like Garissa and Tana River, which face recurring droughts and floods.

On Lake Victoria, the officials say,  improved weather forecasts have contributed to a 30 per cent reduction in severe weather-related deaths and generated Sh5.6 billion in economic benefits for fishing communities.

In urban areas like Kibera, the DARAJA project, which provides weather information via radio and SMS, residents in informal settlements can now prepare for flooding and other extreme weather events. 

This new funding will expand DARAJA’s reach to coastal and underserved areas like Mombasa while continuing its work in informal settlements.

The goal of the WISER programme is to shift from reactive disaster response to proactive disaster prevention. By equipping communities with accurate and timely forecasts, the programme enables them to prepare for hazards before they escalate into full-blown crises.

“This funding will enhance Kenya’s capacity to predict and prepare for climate hazards,” said Philip Omondi Amingo, Senior Climate Scientist at ICPAC. “Early warnings are only useful if they lead to early action, and this initiative ensures that communities can act before the worst unfolds.”

The funding also prioritises women and girls, who are disproportionately affected by climate shocks. By tailoring weather services to their needs, WISER aims to address inequalities in access to information and resources.

“Women are at the heart of their communities and often bear the brunt of the climate crisis,” said Minister Dodds. “This investment ensures they have the tools to protect themselves and their families.”