Kenya continues to face intensifying climate-related hazards, ranging from recurrent floods and prolonged droughts to conflict-driven emergencies. These challenges are not only increasing in frequency but are also growing in complexity and impact. They underscore a critical need to shift from reactive crisis response to proactive, forward-looking disaster risk management.
A Bold National Vision: The Anticipatory Action Roadmap 2024–2029
In a major step forward, Kenya has developed the Kenya Anticipatory Action (AA) Roadmap 2024–2029, a strategic framework that redefines how we respond to disasters. Spearheaded by the National Disaster Operations Centre (NDOC) in collaboration with the Kenya Red Cross Society (KRCS), IGAD Climate Prediction and Applications Centre (ICPAC), and other national and regional actors, the roadmap envisions a system where early warning leads to early action, saving lives, livelihoods, and development gains.
Localizing Anticipatory Action: A Shift Toward County Leadership
To fully realize the promise of the AA roadmap, anticipatory action must move beyond national policy and become a county-level priority. This is where the impacts of disasters are most acutely experienced, and where the foundation of community resilience is built.
The national Technical Working Group on Anticipatory Action is now collaborating with county stakeholders to establish County Technical Working Groups (County-TWGs). These local groups will be instrumental in coordinating, planning, and implementing context-specific anticipatory action initiatives.
The formation of County-TWGs marks a pivotal step in localizing the national roadmap. These technical working groups will serve as platforms for coordination, planning, and implementation of anticipatory action at the county level, ensuring that early warning systems translate into timely, life-saving interventions tailored to local risks. The Kenya Red Cross continues to provide leadership and technical support throughout this process, reinforcing its role at the forefront of AA in Kenya.
Tana River County: A Model for County-Level Engagement
Tana River County is currently serving as a model for localized implementation. Through a two-part engagement supported by the WISER Kenya project, a collaboration led by the UK Met Office, ICPAC, the Kenya Meteorological Department, and KRCS, stakeholders are:
- Disseminating the AA roadmap at the county level
- Strengthening technical capacity and decision-making structures
- Co-developing hazard impact curves to inform timely, risk-based action
This pilot initiative exemplifies how counties can take ownership of anticipatory action and align with national priorities while tailoring solutions to their unique risk environments.
County Ownership: The Key to Resilient Development
Empowering counties to lead in anticipatory action is not just strategic, it is essential. By establishing their own AA Technical Working Groups, counties can:
- Enhance inclusive coordination among stakeholders
- Embed risk-informed planning in governance systems
- Foster local decision-making that is rapid, relevant, and effective
These efforts bridge the persistent gap between early warning and early action, ensuring communities are protected before disasters strike.
Aligning with Regional and Global Priorities
Kenya’s localization of anticipatory action aligns closely with regional frameworks such as IGAD’s Regional Climate Outlook, and broader global commitments to climate resilience and sustainable development. County-driven initiatives serve as a crucial link between national policy and grassroots impact.
Call to Action: Partner with Us to Strengthen County-Level Resilience
As Kenya advances toward a future shaped by climate uncertainty, we call on county governments, development partners, humanitarian actors, and civil society to join us in operationalizing the Kenya Anticipatory Action Roadmap.
Together, let us invest in county-level technical capacity, co-create evidence-based risk tools, and empower local leadership to drive anticipatory action. Now is the time to turn early warning into early, life-saving action.
Partner with us, because the future of disaster preparedness in Kenya begins at the county level.
Share Your Thoughts With Us
We welcome your insights, questions, and perspectives on how best to advance anticipatory action in Kenya. Whether you’re a policymaker, practitioner, researcher, or community member, your voice matters.
How can we better support county governments in leading this critical work? What partnerships, innovations, or policy changes do you see as essential?
Please reach out to us and be part of shaping a more resilient future for all.
Let’s continue this important conversation, together!