Government officials, climate scientists, development
partners and representatives of national meteorological and hydrological
services during the opening session of the 72nd Greater Horn of Africa Climate
Outlook Forum (GHACOF 72) in Nairobi on January 26, 2026/HANDOUT
The Greater Horn of Africa remains highly vulnerable to
climate variability and extreme weather events, the Intergovernmental Authority
on Development (IGAD) Climate Prediction and Applications Centre (ICPAC) has
warned, as the 72nd Greater Horn of Africa Climate Outlook Forum (GHACOF 72)
officially opened in Nairobi on Monday.
Speaking during the opening session, Mohamed Abdi Ware,
Deputy Executive Secretary of IGAD, who was represented by Abdi Fidar, Director of the
IGAD Climate Prediction and Applications Centre, said recurrent droughts,
floods and heat stress continue to pose serious socio-economic risks across the
region, affecting food security, livelihoods, infrastructure and overall
stability among IGAD member states.
“The Greater Horn of Africa remains one of the regions most
vulnerable to climate variability and extremes,” Ware said.
He noted that the challenges highlight the importance of
GHACOF as a regional platform for building consensus on climate risks and
coordinating early action.
The forum brings together government officials, climate
scientists, development partners and representatives of national meteorological
and hydrological services to review seasonal climate outlooks and strengthen
the delivery of climate services across the region.
ICPAC highlighted progress made through collaboration with
national meteorological agencies, sectoral ministries, the World Meteorological
Organization (WMO) and development partners in improving regional climate
prediction and user-oriented climate services.
GHACOF, the deputy Executive Secretary said, remains central to translating
climate information into actionable guidance for key sectors.
A key milestone cited during the forum was the launch of the
IGAD Regional Framework for Climate Services (RFCS) in September last year at
the Second Africa Climate Summit in Addis Ababa.
The framework is intended to provide a coordinated and
user-centred approach to climate services across the region.
However, the ICPAC Director emphasized that effective
implementation and sustained partnerships will determine its success.
“The true value of the RFCS will be realised through
effective implementation, strong coordination, and sustained partnerships,”
Ware said.
The forum was described as a timely opportunity to
strengthen cross-border collaboration and ensure climate information supports
disaster risk reduction, anticipatory action and climate-resilient development.
Participants were urged to translate discussions into
concrete actions that enhance resilience and sustainable development across the
Greater Horn of Africa.
GHACOF 72 also opened amid warnings that climate change and
extreme weather events are intensifying drought conditions across Kenya and the
wider region.
Speaking at the forum, Acting Director of the Kenya
Meteorological Department (KMD) Edward Muriuki said climate-related hazards are
no longer a future risk but an immediate threat.
“Climate change and extreme weather events are no longer a
distant threat, but a clear and present danger in our region,” Muriuki said,
stressing that timely and reliable climate information is essential for
preparedness and response.
According to KMD, the October–November–December 2025
rainfall season recorded below-average rainfall across most parts of the
country, with particularly poor distribution in arid and semi-arid lands.
Post-season analysis showed the rainfall performance
worsened drought conditions in several counties.
Data from the National Drought Management Authority
indicated that as of December 2025, drought conditions had deteriorated, with
Mandera County remaining in the alarm phase, while nine ASAL counties slipped
into the alert phase.
“This information paints a dire picture of food, water and
pasture security in the country,” the Director said.
Despite the challenges, KMD noted that climate forecasting
accuracy has improved, with outlooks increasingly used by national and county
governments for planning and decision-making.
The department reaffirmed its commitment to delivering
weather and climate information to grassroots levels through county
meteorological offices.
Muriuki emphasised that partnerships remain critical in
strengthening climate services and supporting effective responses to
climate-related risks.
“Through continued collaboration, innovation and dedication,
we can achieve a sustainable and resilient future for our region,” he said.
Environment and Climate Change Principal Secretary Festus
Ng’eno, who officially opened the forum, said strengthening climate services
and early warning systems is no longer optional but essential.
“Climate change is already shaping our development pathways,
and strengthening climate services and early warning systems is no longer
optional it is essential,” Ng’eno said, adding that Kenya remains committed to
working with IGAD member states, regional institutions and international
partners to translate climate information into actionable insights that protect
lives, livelihoods and development gains.
GHACOF 72 is expected to guide regional climate preparedness
and decision-making across the Greater Horn of Africa in the coming seasons.