Tana River county launches WISER project to boost climate resilience

Funded by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and led by the IGAD Climate Prediction and Application Center (ICPAC), this initiative aims to arm local communities with vital climate information, helping them prepare for severe weather events like floods and droughts.

Tana River County, vulnerable to frequent climate shocks, will benefit from WISER’s County Climate Information Service (CCIS), which will deliver weather updates and alerts directly to residents via mobile and other accessible platforms. 

Farmers, community leaders, and other stakeholders will have real-time information to make risk-reducing decisions. 

The project launch included government officials from the county and national levels, underlining a shared commitment to bolstering climate resilience.

Kennedy Thiong’o, Deputy Director of the Kenya Meteorological Department, described WISER as “revolutionary” for the county, noting its focus on reaching vulnerable groups like women, youth, and marginalized communities.

 According to Kenya Red Cross Tana River County Coordinator Abubakar, the organization’s on-ground support will be key to delivering critical alerts to remote areas, helping communities prevent losses from climate disasters.

Millicent Akinyi, County Coordinator for Gender Issues and Social Protection, emphasized that WISER will prioritize the needs of at-risk groups such as women, children, and people with disabilities.

 “Today is historic for Tana River,” she said, “as we welcome WISER to help our communities, including neighboring areas like Garissa, during flood and drought seasons.” Akinyi also noted that Tana River’s high poverty rate and agricultural dependence make it especially susceptible to climate shocks.

To support resilience, the project also provides climate data to guide county-level planning and budgeting, addressing risks like displacement during floods and supporting sustainable income activities. 

The program also tackles climate-driven social issues, such as increased domestic violence and early marriages due to financial pressures in times of crisis.

In addition, WISER will conduct capacity-building workshops for local officials, NGOs, and community leaders, providing tools and knowledge to enhance climate adaptation efforts. This aligns with Kenya’s National Climate Change Action Plan, bridging policy with on-the-ground action.

In support of the project, Tana River’s CEC for Environment and Climate Change, Mathew Baboya, announced that the county has committed 2% of its development budget—over KES 92 million—to climate initiatives like improved water access, climate-smart farming, and mangrove restoration. Baboya stated, “WISER’s launch is a milestone in our climate adaptation journey, promising to equip communities with tools to protect lives and livelihoods.”

With sustained collaboration, WISER envisions a future where climate information saves lives and supports a resilient Kenya, starting with vulnerable regions like Tana River.