Written By Lisa Murimi
Kericho Senator Aaron Cheruiyot on Wednesday will present several significant amendments to the Meteorological Bill, 2023, before the Senate.
Cheruiyot, who also serves as the Senate Majority Leader, is advocating for a Ksh 5 million fine for individuals engaging in meteorological observations, weather forecasting, or weather modification activities without proper authorization.
“A person who engages in any meteorological observations, weather forecasting activities, or weather modification activities without a permit commits an offense and shall be liable upon conviction to a fine not exceeding five million shillings or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years or both such fine and imprisonment,” states part of the amendments.
Under the proposed changes, anyone intending to undertake meteorological activities must obtain a permit from the Kenya Meteorological Service Authority.
This fine is a substantial increase from the previous bill, which proposed a Ksh1 million fine for issuing public meteorological data from unauthorized stations.
Cheruiyot’s amendments also emphasize the need for the authority to regulate meteorological services in Kenya, ensuring compliance with international standards and practices. The authority would be responsible for setting standards, developing curricula, providing training, and awarding diplomas and certifications in line with the World Meteorological Organization’s standards.
Additional roles of the authority include approving and registering meteorological stations, monitoring and supervising meteorological operators, and providing meteorological services and information to the public upon request.
“A person who obtains any meteorological data, information, and other meteorological services from the authority as a private good shall not, without the consent of the authority, provide the same to a third party or cause it to be distributed,” the amendments specify.
If enacted, the bill will establish a legislative framework to regulate and coordinate meteorological services in Kenya, ensuring compliance with standards and enhancing the quality of weather-related information and services.
