Kenya Hosts the 10th National Climate Outlook Forum to Strengthen Climate Resilience – 27th – 29th January 2025
The 10th National Climate Outlook Forum (NCOF10) convened in Garissa bringing together key stakeholders to assess past climate performance, develop impact-based forecasting strategies, and enhance climate resilience across Kenya. Hosted by the Kenya Meteorological Department (KMD) in collaboration with the International Center for Humanitarian Affairs (ICHA), Kenya Red Cross Society (KRSC) and other partners, the forum emphasized the need for actionable climate information to inform decision-making and mitigate disaster risks.
The forum provided an in-depth review of the October-November-December (OND) 2024 rainfall season, analyzing its effects on critical sectors such as agriculture, water resources, health, energy, transport, and Disaster Risk Management. Findings highlighted that while some regions experienced near normal to above normal rainfall (West Kenya, Lake Victoria and some part of Rift Vally) supporting food security and water resources, others faced drought especiallyover most parts of the ASAL region, emphasizing the importance of precise seasonal forecasting.
Experts stressed the urgency of early warning dissemination and proactive adaptation measures, particularly for drought-prone areas. The forum fostered collaboration between government agencies, development partners, civil society, and vulnerable communities to co-develop sectoral action plans that integrate scientific climate insights with local knowledge.
“The shift towards impact-based forecasting enables us to provide not just climate information, but actionable insights that communities can use to protect lives and livelihoods” –
Zachary Misiani Climate Scientist
ICHA
With the growing threat of climate change, forums like NCOF are instrumental in bridging the gap between climate science and real-world applications. The recommendations from this forum will inform KRCS’s preparedness strategies, ensuring that climate information translates into tangible resilience-building efforts at national and community levels.