Kenya Launches National ‘Early Warnings for All’ Climate Initiative

Nairobi, Kenya — The Kenyan government officially launched the “Early Warnings for All” (EW4All) initiative on May 21, marking a pivotal step in the country’s efforts to mitigate the impacts of increasingly frequent and severe climate-related disasters.

The initiative, unveiled by the Ministry of Environment, aligns with a global campaign led by the United Nations that aims to achieve universal early warning system coverage by 2027.

Speaking at the launch, Environment Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa announced that 5% of Kenya’s 2025 disaster management budget has been earmarked for the expansion and modernization of early warning infrastructure and data systems. “This investment is vital to protect vulnerable communities and avert avoidable losses as climate risks escalate,” she said.

The EW4All framework is anchored on four core pillars:

1. Enhanced collection and analysis of hazard data

2. Improved dissemination of warning services

3. Strengthened risk communication strategies

4. Increased community preparedness and response capacity

Barasa underscored the urgency of the program by referencing the March–May 2024 floods, which displaced more than 410,000 people and caused widespread disruption across multiple counties. She emphasized that “timely and accurate warnings can make the difference between life and death” during such climate emergencies.

The government plans to work in partnership with county administrations, the private sector, and international donors to ensure the EW4All systems are implemented nationwide, especially in high-risk regions.

The initiative is seen as a critical part of Kenya’s broader climate adaptation strategy and underscores the country’s commitment to strengthening disaster preparedness in the face of mounting climate threats.

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