A WMO delegation led by Secretary-General Celeste Saulo met with H.E. Dr. William Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya, for high -level bilateral discussions on strengthening meteorological and climate services and championing the Early Warnings for All initiative.
The meeting occurred during a two-day official visit to Kenya, which hosts a WMO sub-regional office in Nairobi.
"Accurate data and early warning systems are essential for building limate resilience and achieving sustainable development. We are proud to contribute meaningfully to the global climate agenda and to play a criticial role in our region," said President Ruto.
"By working with the private sector and development partners, and leveraging the expertise of the World Meteorological Organization, we aim to enhance our national capacity by modernising essential equipment and technical infrastructure. We look forward to deepening this vital partnership for the benefit of our region and the world," President Ruto wrote on X after the meeting at State House, Nairobi.
Kenya is one of the African nations which successfully launched the Early Warnings for All (EW4ALL) initiative in May 2025. This aims at ensuring that by 2027, all people in the earth are protected by early warning systems as envisioned by United Nations Secretary General, Antonio Gueterres.
Celeste Saulo emphasized WMO's commitment to supporting Kenya's National Meteorological and Hydrological Services in delivering timely, accurate, and actionable weather and climate information to safeguard lives, livelihoods, and national development.
"WMO is cognizant of the critical role of Meteorological services to any nation's stability and growth. It is essential that governments fully support their meteorological institutions to provide timely early warnings and climate services that inform critical decisions in agriculture, health, water, energy, and disaster management," she said.
Africa stands as one of the world's most susceptible continents to climate extremes and currently, only 40% of the African population has access to early warning systems for weather, climate, and water extremes, according to WMO's Performance Monitoring System.
The escalating intensity and frequency of extreme climate poses significant challenges to Africa's socio-economic development.
To meet the challenge, an Early Warning for All initiative in Africa Action Plan has been developed. The Action Plan is aligned with Agenda 2063, 'The Africa we want' and the Africa Climate Change Strategy.
"The Government of Kenya recognizes the vital role played by meteorological services in disaster risk reduction, climate adaptation, and sustainable development. We remain committed to strengthening these services to ensure no one is left behind," said Hon. Dr. Deborah Mlongo Barasa, Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry.
"This visit affirms Kenya's partnership with the WMO and our joint commitment to providing timely and accurate weather and climate information to all," noted Dr. David Gikungu, Permanent Representative of Kenya with WMO and Director of the Kenya Meteorological Department.
After visiting Kenya, Celeste Saulo and WMO's Assistant Secretary-General Thomas Asare travelled to Ethiopia, which hosts WMO's regional office for Africa.
