Environment, Climate Change and Forestry, Cabinet Secretary, Soipan Tuya has reiterated the Government's commitment to upgrade the systems at Kenya Meteorological Department (KMD) to international standards.
"Last week I met with officials from the Finnish Government who agreed to upgrade the systems of Kenya Meteorological Department, which I am committed to follow to fruition", CS Soipan said.
CS Soipan spoke on Monday at KMD headquarters in Nairobi during her maiden tour of the institution, whose mandate is to provide timely early warning weather and climate information for the safety of life, property protection and conservation of the natural environment.
The Cabinet Secretary said KMD plays a critical role in providing essential services that support key sectors of the economy, including aviation, agriculture, military operations, and Maritime.
She decried the state of equipment, which are obsolete, and outdated technology, hindering timely and accurate weather forecasting that could benefit Kenyans and the region.
To support the President's 15 Billion Tree Growing and Restoration Campaign, CS Soipan asked Kenya Meteorological Department to set aside a "Green Zone", where they will plant and nurture trees. She said this will contribute to the campaign and inculcate the culture of tree growing in institutions and at individual levels.
CS Soipan reiterated the need to prioritize mental health and wellness at work. She urged the Director of KMD to take it seriously and lead from the front.
"why should people die while providing essential services, death is not good for business, don't die on the job, take care of your mental health".
On his part, Environment and Climate Change, Principal Secretary Eng Festus K Ng'eno said the Human Resources department will look into promotion issues to ensure no staff is disadvantaged as plans are finalized to move KMD into a semi-autonomous government agency.
On the capacity building of the staff, PS Ng'eno said as long as the training is beneficial to the Ministry, they will be able to facilitate staff to improve their skills.
PS Ng'eno called on human resources to resolve issues facing KMD staff, from staffing levels, working conditions and promotions. The PS said there is a need for in depth analysis of the matter and to finalize on the pending issues as soon as possible.
Meteorological Department has several issues, from staffing levels, lack of working tools, lack of refresher courses to build their capacities, and obsolete equipment hindering timely and accurate weather forecasting.
©Standard Gazette, 2021. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s publisher is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Standard Gazette with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.