The launch of the National Framework for Climate Services (NFCS) alongside the unveiling of the State of the Climate Kenya 2024 report at the Sarova Panafric Hotel in Nairobi is a significant event that was graced by H.E Aden Duale, Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Forestry, and Climate Change, marking a milestone in the nation’s commitment to climate resilience.
The journey towards this pivotal framework finds its roots in the World Climate Conference-3 (WCC-3), held from August 31 to September 4, 2009, in Geneva, Switzerland. This landmark conference witnessed the convergence of over 2,000 climate scientists, policymakers, and sectoral experts who collectively established the Global Framework for Climate Services (GFCS). This global initiative aims to enhance the production, availability, delivery, and application of science-based climate services to navigate the challenges of climate variability and change.
The GFCS identified five priority sectors: agriculture and food security, water, health, disaster risk reduction, and energy. Through these efforts, a vision emerged: to empower societies—especially the most vulnerable—to manage the risks and opportunities presented by climate change effectively.
In alignment with GFCS, Kenya’s response has been proactive. The Kenya Meteorological Department, in partnership with various stakeholders, initiated the development of the NFCS in June 2020. After engaging extensively with stakeholders, the NFCS has been meticulously crafted to facilitate coordination and collaboration among national institutions.
The NFCS will serve as a cornerstone for enhancing the co-production, customization, delivery, and utilization of science-based climate services across the country. Validated in October 2023 and formally approved by the cabinet on November 3, 2023, the NFCS is now set to transform how climate information is integrated into decision-making processes within climate-sensitive socioeconomic sectors.
The NFCS aims to bring together various institutions, enabling them to co-design and communicate climate services effectively. This collaborative approach will ensure that stakeholders from different sectors can leverage accurate climate information to foster informed decision-making.