President William Ruto on Friday, March 13, 2026, signed into law the Meteorology Bill, 2023, that establishes the Kenya Meteorological Department and replaces the Kenya Meteorological Department. Under the new legislation, the Institute for Meteorological Training and Research is now renamed the Meteorology Training and Research Directorate.
According to a dispatch from the Senate, the authority will coordinate and monitor meteorological services, provide weather forecasts and disaster warnings, conduct research, and offer certificates and diplomas in meteorology and related sciences.
Meanwhile, the Kenya Meteorological Service Authority is aligned with international standards, including obligations under the Chicago Convention and the World Meteorological Organization.
Meteorology Bill Establishes Kenya Meteorological Service Authority
According to the Act, the Kenya Meteorological Service Authority will act as the principal technical advisor to the national and county governments.
Its key responsibilities include:
- Establishing and maintaining meteorological management systems for data collection, analysis, forecasting, and archival.
- Issuing weather forecasts, advisories, and disaster warnings through multi-hazard early warning systems.
Also Read: Salary Increase and Four Other Gains Kenyan Police Have Seen Under the Ruto Govt
- Developing curricula and providing diplomas and certification in meteorology in line with international standards.
- Registering weather stations for meteorological data collection.
- Conducting and coordinating research and development in meteorology.
The Kenya Meteorological Service Authority will also have the power to appoint authorized officers and manage its funds to ensure effective service delivery.
Establishment of Meteorology Training and Research Directorate in Kenya
In addition, the Meteorology Bill also aims to establish the Meteorology Training and Research Directorate as the successor to the Institute for Meteorological Training and Research.
The Directorate is designated as a World Meteorological Organization Regional Training Centre and will offer certificates, diplomas, and other professional courses in meteorology, operational hydrology, and related sciences.
As part of the transition, Edward Maina Muriuki, the current Director of the Kenya Meteorological Department, will serve as Acting Director-General for up to six months or until a permanent appointment is made.
“It is proposed that the Director of the Kenya Meteorological Department assumes the duties of the Director-General in an acting capacity for a period not exceeding six months or until appointment of a Director-General,” read part of the statement.
Staff of the former Kenya Met and the Institute for Meteorological Training and Research will continue to work under the newly established Authority.
Also Read: Kenya Met Lists Nairobi Among Areas Set to Receive Heavy Rainfall in the Next 24 Hours
However, within one year, employees will have the option to either remain with the Authority or be redeployed within the civil service.
About Meteorology Bill, 2023
The Meteorology Bill, 2023 (Senate Bills No. 45 of 2023), was sponsored by Senator Aaron Cheruiyot and first published on September 22, 2023.
It was later read in the Senate on November 14, 2023, passed with amendments in November 2024, and subsequently passed by the National Assembly.
On March 3, 2026, the Senate concurred with the National Assembly’s amendments before forwarding it to the President for assent.
