Big3Africa.org - Climate | Conservation

Mount Kenya Fire Leaves Water, Wildlife and Tourism at Risk

Neville Ng'ambwa September 10, 2026

A wildfire on Mount Kenya has burnt thousands of hectares, putting water supplies, wildlife habitats, tourism and surrounding community livelihoods at risk. While about 85% of the blaze has been contained, the full ecological and economic cost will only become clear after the fire is extinguished and detailed assessments are completed.

Green Finance

East African Farmers Set for KES 25.8 Billion Climate Investment Boost

Dan Kaburu September 10, 2026

East African smallholder farmers and rural businesses are set to benefit from a $200 million (KES 25.8 billion) climate financing mechanism launched by Equity Group and IFAD. The ARCAFIM programme will support irrigation, water harvesting, climate-resilient agriculture, storage, renewable energy and other investments across Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and Rwanda, targeting about 260,000 producers and 500 rural enterprises.

Food Systems

Pesticide Poisoning Hits More Than Half of East Africa’s Farmers

Peter Ngare September 8, 2026

More than half of East Africa’s farmers and agricultural workers may experience acute pesticide poisoning each year, according to a new global study estimating 49.3 million non-fatal cases across the region. The findings highlight a largely undocumented occupational health crisis linked to widespread agrochemical use and limited protection, training and healthcare access.

Conservation

Parliament Approves Excision of Nearly 15,000 Acres from Public Forests

Peter Ngare September 8, 2026

Kenya’s Parliament has approved the excision of nearly 15,000 acres from three public forests, raising questions over the country’s forest protection and climate restoration commitments. The decision comes as Kenya pursues a 15-billion-tree target and seeks to expand national tree cover to 30 per cent by 2032.

El Niño Watch

WMO Warns World to Brace for Stronger El Niño as Extreme Weather Risks Rise

Pauline Ongaji September 3, 2026

The World Meteorological Organization has warned that an intensifying El Niño is almost certain to persist until at least February 2027, increasing the global risk of floods, droughts and extreme heat. As the event strengthens, WMO is calling for exceptional preparedness to protect lives, livelihoods and climate-sensitive sectors.

Food Systems

Sub-Saharan Africa’s Soils Among World’s Worst, FAO Warns of Food Security Threat

Peter Ngare September 3, 2026

Sub-Saharan Africa’s soils have been rated among the world’s worst, with severe erosion, nutrient loss and declining soil biodiversity threatening agricultural production and food security. A new FAO assessment warns that urgent action is needed to restore soil health and protect the livelihoods of millions who depend on agriculture.

El Niño Watch

Kenya Red Cross warns 46 Counties face El Niño Flood Risk

Neville Ng'ambwa September 2, 2026

The Kenya Red Cross Society has warned that 46 of Kenya’s 47 counties face the risk of above-average rainfall during the upcoming October–December short-rains season, raising fears of widespread flooding. The agency is calling for urgent action to improve drainage, strengthen early-warning systems, prepare evacuation plans and prevent further development along known flood paths.

El Niño Watch

Kenya Activates Emergency Measures as El Niño Risk Rises Above 90 Per Cent

Big3Africa Desk September 2, 2026

Kenya has activated emergency preparedness measures as the likelihood of a strong El Niño event during the October–December short rains rises above 90 per cent. With 18 counties facing heightened risks, authorities are strengthening drainage systems, preparing evacuation centres and placing emergency teams on standby to reduce deaths, displacement and damage.

Climate Change

World on Path to Breach 1.5°C Warming Threshold, UN Warns

Pauline Ongaji September 2, 2026

The world is likely to cross the 1.5°C global warming threshold within the next few years, according to a new UNEP report, raising the risk of more severe heatwaves, floods, wildfires, glacier loss and rising seas. While the warning is stark, UNEP says rapid emissions cuts and stronger adaptation can still determine how far temperatures rise and how long the world remains above the critical limit.

Tech & Energy

High Electricity Costs Threaten Kenya’s Universal Access Goal

Dan Kaburu September 1, 2026

Kenya’s push for universal electricity access by 2030 faces a major challenge: affordability. Stakeholders warn that expanding electricity connections alone is not enough if households cannot afford the power, with high energy costs pushing some families back to firewood and other polluting fuels.