The 9th Kenya National Climate Outlook Forum (NCOF9) was held from August 26-28, 2024, in Nakuru under the theme “Proactive Early Warning Systems for Climate Risk Reduction.” Hosted by the Kenya Meteorological Department (KMD) in collaboration with IGAD Climate Prediction and Application Centre (ICPAC), UNDP, WFP, and the Kenya Red Cross Society, the forum brought together stakeholders from agriculture, water, energy, health, disaster management, and other sectors.

The forum reviewed the impacts of previous rainfall seasons (March-May and June-August 2024), presented the OND 2024 seasonal forecast, and facilitated the co-production of actionable strategies. Key findings included:

• Rainfall Outlook: Below-average rainfall is expected in the coastal and southeastern lowlands, with near to above-average rainfall in the western regions.
• Sectoral Impacts: Anticipated impacts range from reduced agricultural productivity in drought-prone areas to enhanced water resources in regions expecting favorable rainfall.
• Advisories: Recommendations included adopting climate-smart agriculture, improving water management, disease surveillance, and strengthening disaster preparedness.

The event emphasized the need for tailored climate services, early warning systems, and multi-stakeholder collaboration to address Kenya's climate risks. Stakeholders developed sector-specific action plans and advisories to enhance resilience and mitigate the forecasted challenges of the OND 2024 season.