Forecast-Based Financing Implementations in Kenya: Opportunities and Challenges

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Abstract: Currently, many predictable extreme events such as floods and drought, result in disasters and suffering. This is aggravated by climate change. The impact of these events can be reduced or avoided if weather and climate forecasts are systematically used for early action to prepare for disaster. Innovative Approaches to Response Preparedness (IARP) project aims to fill this critical gap with forecast-based financing (FbF) supported by data preparedness and cash transfers. The purpose of the feasibility study was to assess to what extent the contexts in Kenya and Kenya Red Cross Society (KRCS) and other relevant stakeholders are conducive to the implementation of FbF, Cash Transfers Programme (CTP) and Data Preparedness, in support of the most vulnerable people affected by the natural disasters in Kenya. The study was conducted through interviews with key individuals within KRCS and other external key stakeholders and more information collected from relevant literature. FbF implementation in Kenya has a medium feasibility. This is because key national level institutions that would be involved in the implementation exist, and there are opportunities for IARP to demonstrate resonance with institutional mandates, on-going work as well as the policy content.The KRCS has a wellestablished presence across the country, and is seen as the ?go-to? organisation for humanitarian emergencies and disaster management, both by the two levels of government and communities. KRCS also has a well-defined contingency plan on which FbF can be anchored.