Kenya Enacts Law Transforming Meteorological Services to Global Standards

President William Ruto has signed a new law that seeks to realign the country’s meteorological services to global aviation and scientific standards.

The government said the reforms are intended to strengthen weather forecasting, climate monitoring, and disaster preparedness in Kenya while ensuring compliance with international aviation and oceanographic standards.

Topafricanews has learned that the Meteorology Act, 2023 was signed into law on Friday.

“The law also ensures that Kenya complies with international standards and obligations governing meteorological services under the Chicago Convention on International Civil Aviation and the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO,” State House said.

Under the Act, the newly created authority will serve as the principal technical adviser to both national and county governments on weather and climate matters.

The legislation also creates a Meteorology Training and Research Directorate, which will succeed the Institute for Meteorological Training and Research.

The directorate will operate as a designated regional training centre of the World Meteorological Organization, offering certificates, diplomas, and professional courses in meteorology, operational hydrology, and related sciences.