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Launch of Climate Change Impacts Report

Launch of Climate Change Impacts Report
  • PublishedJuly 24, 2024

This year, unexpected climate patterns have been experienced in different parts of the world, particularly in Kenya. In March, April, and May, the country experienced drastic floods, a natural calamity that had not been witnessed in a long time.

This and many more issues around climate change are the content of the 2024 Climate Change Impacts in Kenya Report, launched on Wednesday, July 24 in a breakfast event that took place in Serena Hotel, Nairobi from 7:30 am to 11:30 am.

The tagline of the report is “What climate change means for a country and its people” and its content is focused on the same.

“This report is a scientific synthesis led by the Kenya Meteorological Department. It is intended to inform policymakers, media, the private sector, civil society, academics, and anyone looking for country-level information on the impacts of climate change in Kenya,” read the report.

It has been authored by Patricia Nying’uro from the Kenya Met Department, Dr Joyce Kimutai from Kenya Met Department, Kenneth Mwangi from the World Resources Institute (WRI), and Winnie Khaemba from Climate Analytics.

“In chapter one of this report, we introduce you to Kenya and how rich it is in its natural resources. The country is also a highly climate-sensitive landscape as we have arid, semi-arid areas, and very green lands,” said Nying’uro.

“What we are saying today is that we need immediate action and it is mainly thinking about what kind of finance we need to embrace the climate change impact,” added Dr. Kimutai.

Dr. Festus Ng’eno, Principal Secretary for Environment and Climate was the chief guest. He emphasized on the need to involve young people in climate change action since they are the majority population.

“I would like to acknowledge a special group of people called Gen Z. I am told that if you don’t recognize them, they can easily come and say hey to you,” said Ng’eno.

Peter Orengo from the National Treasury gave a history of the efforts made by the government towards climate change policies and strategies. According to Orengo, an estimate of nine billion has been allocated to counties to enact action plan for counties.

The impacts of climate change are immense and they affect the natural resources that are present in the country. Recently, Kenya has been experiencing heat waves.

“When temperatures exceeding 32 degrees are experienced consistently for more than three days, that is termed as a heatwave and it causes the human body to struggle,” said Dr. Kimutai.

Immaculate Nalalai, the Treasurer of Nadupoi Women Group in Kajiado, talked about how much climate change has affected her community’s way of life.

“In 2022, we were greatly affected by drought. We lost a huge number of cattle and our lands dried up. We watched the fish ponds we had established dry up. Just as we were about to recover, the floods swept the few crops we had planted,” said Nalalai.

According to WRI’s Communications and Engagement Director, Susan Onyango, food security is highly affected by climate change, yet it is core in our daily lives.

“Kenya loses 30 percent of its food annually. It may seem little but think of all these at a time when we have 15 million people going hungry in the country,” said Onyango.

Nominated Senator Hamida Kibwana, who was also present during the event suggested that the report be translated to Kiswahili and different local dialects.

Her suggestion was seconded by Dr. Wilber Ottichilo, the Vihiga County governor who is also the chairperson of Environment and Climate Change in the Council of Governors.

“Climate change is a complex subject and very few people understand it,” said the governor.

He added that money to finance climate action has been disbursed to the counties and communities should be expecting funding for their community-led programs.

The report is made up of four chapters which are National Snapshot, People and Practices, Climate Impacts, and Resilience and Transformation.

Visit www.climateimpacts.co.ke to download a copy and learn more about the impacts of climate change in Kenya.

Written By
Ann Veronicah