NAIROBI, May 21 (Xinhua) -- Kenya's Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, and Forestry, in partnership with key stakeholders, on Wednesday launched the Early Warnings for All initiative, aimed at strengthening the country's ability to predict and respond to climate-induced disasters such as droughts, floods, and forest fires.
Deborah Mlongo Barasa, cabinet secretary for the ministry, said that investing in a robust early warning infrastructure holds the key to securing a climate resilient future for the country.
"The universal early warning initiative seeks to enhance protection of our communities from climate related hazards. The initiative will boost anticipatory action, averting loss of lives and livelihoods," Barasa said during the launch in Nairobi, the Kenyan capital.
The initiative, proposed by United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in March 2022, has already been adopted by several African countries. It focuses on early detection, monitoring, analysis, and forecasting of climate hazards, alongside disaster reduction and early response.
Barasa highlighted Kenya's frontline position in the climate crisis and the importance of a real-time, seamless early warning system to mitigate deaths and displacement of civilians. She also noted Kenyan President William Ruto's designation as the World Meteorological Organization's Champion for the initiative in Africa as recognition of Kenya's leadership in disaster response.
The Kenyan program emphasizes a community-centered approach to disseminate timely warnings and protect climate-sensitive sectors such as agriculture, tourism, forestry, and transport, said David Gikungu, director of the Kenya Meteorological Department.
The initiative's implementation by 2027 will enhance climate adaptation for vulnerable groups including pastoralists, smallholder farmers, and fisherfolk, the director added.
Amjad Abbashar, chief of regional office for Africa of United Nations office for disaster risk reduction, said that Kenya requires an inclusive and transparent early warning system to minimize local communities' exposure to climate disasters. ■