President Uhuru Kenyatta has officially opened the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Climate Prediction and Application Centre (ICPAC) in Kajiado county.

ICPAC is a regional climate center by the World Meteorological Organisation(WMO) designated to provide climate services and early warnings to 11 East African Countries.

“We live in uncertain times, increasing temperatures and sea levels, changing precipitation patterns and more extreme weather are threatening human health and safety, food and water security and socio-economic development in Africa," said Kenyatta.

Uhuru said the aim of the facility is to create resilience in a region deeply affected by climate change and extreme weather patterns.

The head of state said Kenya’s ambition is to become a continental leader in sustainable development by scaling up usage of low carbon transportation systems and practicing smart agriculture.

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 “The country has made huge progress in green energy utilization and is on course to supporting other Horn of Africa nations to develop their renewable energy capacities,” he said. 

On his part, Environment Cabinet Secretary Keriako Tobiko said Kenya's main economic divers are vulnerable to climate change and thanked the ICPAC for its important role in supporting vulnerable communities.

ICPAC Director Dr. Guleid Artan said the center will provide quality climate services and early warnings to the region.

“In times of climate extremes and increased intensity and frequency of hazards, it is key to provide quality climate services and early warnings. Climate doesn’t stop at borders and having strong intergovernmental institutions able to provide early warnings is key,” Said Guleid Artan.

 Foreign Affairs CS Raychelle Omamo, Environment CAS Mohamed Elmi, and IGAD Executive Secretary Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu were among several senior government officials who attended the launch.