Kenya is stepping up preparations for possible El Niño conditions during the October-December rainy season, with the government calling for increased investment in early warning systems, flood mitigation and disaster preparedness.
Environment, Climate Change and Forestry State Department officials said the country must strengthen its ability to respond to climate-related risks as it continues to face challenges including the swelling of Rift Valley lakes and the possibility of heavy rains in the coming months.
Environment, Climate Change and Forestry Principal Secretary Dr Eng Festus K. Ng’eno said the government was working with development partners and the private sector to strengthen Kenya’s environmental and climate resilience.
Ng’eno spoke in Nairobi on Monday while presiding over the 10th Session of the Environment, Climate Change and Forestry Joint Sector Working Group, which brought together government agencies, development partners and private sector stakeholders.
He said Kenya had made progress in strengthening its climate and environmental governance since the last meeting of the group in February.
Among the milestones, he cited the enactment of the Kenya Meteorology Act, 2026, which establishes the Kenya Meteorological Service Authority and strengthens the country’s capacity to provide multi-hazard early warnings and actionable climate intelligence.
The State Department is also reviewing the 2013 National Environment Policy as part of wider reforms in environmental governance.
Ng’eno said Kenya was further strengthening its participation in carbon markets through the development of a Guide to Strategic Engagement in Carbon Markets.
The country has also continued to position itself as a player in global environmental action, including through hosting the 11th Our Ocean Conference and the global observance of World Desertification and Drought Day 2026.
However, Ng’eno said the government remained concerned about emerging climate risks, particularly the continued swelling of Rift Valley lakes and the anticipated El Niño conditions during the October-December rainy season.
He called for greater investment in early warning systems, disaster risk reduction, catchment protection, flood mitigation and anticipatory action to reduce the impact of extreme weather events.
The PS also urged development partners to align their support with Kenya’s national priorities and work closely with the government to deliver measurable and lasting results in climate action, environmental protection and resilience.
