Kenya Launches Forecast-to-Farmer Pilot to Bring Improved Weather Forecasts to Farmers at Scale

The Kenya Meteorological Department (KMD) has launched the Forecast-to-Farmer Pilot, a collaborative initiative designed to deliver improved, localized weather forecasts to millions of Kenyan farmers. Developed alongside technical partners like the Climate Hazards Center and Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, the project downscales AI-driven forecasting models to provide high-resolution, four-week sub-seasonal outlooks. Authorized forecast data will be distributed via an API gateway to various public and private organizations, allowing them to translate complex weather patterns into actionable farming advice regarding planting timelines, dry spells, and rainfall management.

Guided by a new Commitment Charter, the pilot utilizes established, trusted communication networks—such as extension services, SMS, and digital platforms like iShamba and KALRO's advisory service—to reach farmers directly. The upcoming October–December 2026 short rains will serve as the initial proof of concept, ahead of a wider operational rollout during the March–May 2027 long rains. Ultimately, the insights gained from this pilot will shape KMD's long-term data-sharing and advisory strategies as it transitions into the independent Kenya Meteorological Service Authority (KMSA).