Mombasa:Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) member states have been urged to bolster governance, enhance coordination, and convert national policy frameworks into actionable implementation plans to address emerging regional challenges.
According to Kenya News Agency, the states are also encouraged to integrate anticipatory action into national and county development plans, sectoral programs, and budgets to improve preparedness and resilience against disasters.
Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Climate Change and Forestry, Dr. Deborah Barasa, emphasized the necessity of strengthening coordination among national institutions, county governments, and implementing partners during a ministerial forum at the second Eastern Africa Dialogue Platform on Anticipatory Action in Mombasa. Dr. Barasa urged member states to develop operational triggers linked to pre-arranged financing and agreed early actions while enhancing monitoring, reporting, accountability, and learning mechanisms.
Dr. Barasa asserted that anticipatory action must be embedded within government systems rather than remain an isolated project. She highlighted the importance of meaningful community participation to ensure local priorities and indigenous knowledge complement scientific approaches. Additionally, she underscored the importance of regional cooperation for transboundary hazards and encouraged development partners to align their support with national priorities.
Financing arrangements should be made in advance of hazards, with funds released upon reaching agreed triggers. Member states were also encouraged to establish realistic financing commitments or time-bound pathways towards achieving them, considering fiscal capacities and national priorities.
IGAD Executive Secretary Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu noted the need for proactive measures beyond disaster prediction, emphasizing the importance of connecting short-term anticipatory actions with long-term resilience and development. Dr. Gebeyehu also addressed the ongoing conflict in Sudan, highlighting the displacement of millions and calling for a political solution through dialogue between the warring parties, a process supported by IGAD and other international organizations.
