The government announced a national programme to attach Internet of Things (IoT) sensor systems to Safaricom’s extensive telecommunications mast network for environmental tracking and real‑time weather monitoring.

Environment Principal Secretary Festus Ng’eno outlined the initiative on 28 October, saying it will modernise the Kenya Meteorological Service Authority (KMSA) and improve delivery of accurate, timely climate data to vulnerable communities.

Ng’eno met with Acting KMSA Director General Edward Muriuki, Safaricom Head of IT Felix Rop and an Agrimet Data representative to discuss how IoT technology can expand Kenya’s weather observation network.

The collaboration will deploy connected sensors on Safaricom cell towers nationwide, creating a real‑time monitoring system that aggregates data from diverse geographic points for targeted meteorological and environmental insights.

Beyond standard forecasts, the sensor array will capture urban air‑quality metrics and support public‑health disease surveillance, broadening the scope of climate‑related services.

By leveraging commercial telecom infrastructure, KMSA aims to dramatically extend its observational footprint and provide localized risk assessments to regions prone to severe weather events.

The announcement follows a severe weather alert issued on 25 October, warning of heavy rainfall exceeding 20 mm in 24 hours across 45 counties, with strong southerly to southeasterly winds over coastal, eastern and northern zones.