The Meteorology Bill 2023 is set to be a focal point of discussion in the Senate on Tuesday, aiming to establish regulations governing the collection, analysis, and dissemination of climate data to the public. Sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot, the bill seeks to institute The Kenya Meteorological Service Authority as the exclusive agency responsible for publishing weather forecasts.
Under the proposed legislation, media houses and individuals making weather predictions without the Authority's approval could face fines of up to Ksh 1 million. The bill stipulates, "A person who issues to the public meteorological data collected, or weather information derived from a weather station not registered by the Authority commits an offence and shall, on conviction, be liable to a fine not exceeding Ksh1 million or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding twelve months or to both."
Furthermore, the bill deems it an offense to share or distribute meteorological information obtained from the Authority without its consent.
The debate on the bill coincides with accusations of contradictory statements from government bodies regarding El Nino. While the Kenya Meteorological Department initially forecasted El Nino rains, President William Ruto contradicted this, citing advice from Kenya Met. Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua later changed stance, asserting the country would indeed experience El Nino rains, leading to confusion.
In response to such miscommunications, the proposed Meteorology Bill 2023 outlines fines not exceeding Ksh5 million or imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years, or both.
Despite the substantial penalties proposed to ensure the Authority releases reliable data, the government, as per the bill, would not bear responsibility for any damages resulting from misinformation provided by the Kenya Met. "The Authority is not liable for any damage, loss or injury sustained or alleged to have been sustained, by any person because of such person’s reliance on meteorological information provided by the Authority," the bill asserts.
