Chiefs get training on climate response as floods, drought hit

The Ministry of Interior and National Administration has enrolled more than 4,000 chiefs in the National Climate Change Security Resilience Programme, a capacity-building initiative aimed at promoting Kenya’s response to climate-related threats.

According to the ministry, the chiefs will be trained on climate risk coordination and strategies to build community resilience at the grassroots level.

Speaking at the launch, Internal Security Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo said the training will address emerging climate-related challenges, such as the displacement of families, intercommunal conflicts, and the economic toll of climate change. 

“This is no longer just an environmental concern. It is a matter of national security. Chiefs are uniquely positioned to act as trusted conveners, and now, as climate champions at the community level.”

The programme, which was launched in May last year, initially involved chiefs in mobilising about 13,000 people for various climate initiatives, including tree planting.

The National Police Service, Kenya Prisons Service, and Immigration officers are also participating in the training, as the government prepares a multi-agency response to future climate crises.

Kenya has seen a rise in erratic weather in recent years, with prolonged droughts and devastating floods.

The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), a partner in the project, pledged continued support, noting that the initiative promotes peace and sustainable development.

“Member states in this region are setting the global standard on operationalizing the climate–peace–security nexus. Kenya’s approach offers a replicable blueprint for other nations,” said Dr Elizabeth Carabine, Climate Security Adviser to the Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa.

The training comes as the country experiences the March–April–May long rains, which are often intense.