Mombasa City Grapples with Devastating Flash Floods Amidst Geographical and Human-Induced Factors

Strategic Insights -

Mombasa city has long struggled with catastrophic flash floods whenever heavy rains hit, a problem perpetuated by a mix of geographical vulnerabilities, climate change, and human factors, compounded by weak mitigation measures from authorities. The city's flat terrain, rising sea levels, and low elevation make it challenging to control floodwaters, but the county and national governments have been criticized for inadequate measures to mitigate the risk. A recent report by the German Corporation for International Cooperation (GIZ) highlighted the challenges of floodplain settlements, inadequate adaptive infrastructure, poor waste management, and unregulated construction, which exacerbate flooding in the port city.

Key Takeaways:

  • The German Corporation for International Cooperation (GIZ) report (2024) identified floodplain settlements, inadequate adaptive infrastructure, poor waste management, and unregulated construction as contributing factors to flooding in Mombasa.
  • The report noted that 9.5% of the county areas are under very high flood risk, 21.3% under high risk, 28.7% under moderate risk, 27.3% under low risk, and 13.2% under very low risk.
  • The flooding in Mombasa has resulted in traffic disruptions, flooded homes, and struggling businesses, with motorists and commuters forced to navigate knee-deep water and pay increased fares.
  • Residents in estates that have witnessed heavy investments in construction of cabro-paved roads have expressed frustration with inadequate drainage infrastructure, which turns roads into a "nightmare" during the rainy season.
  • Existing drains are often clogged with plastic waste, silt, and construction debris, making them useless during heavy rains.
  • Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir attributed the flooding to haphazard construction along waterways, which exacerbates flooding when heavy rains occur.
  • The county government has deployed water bowsers to siphon water from submerged roads, but residents consider this a temporary fix and are calling for a comprehensive drainage system.

Statistics:

  • 9.5% of Mombasa county areas are under very high flood risk. (GIZ report, 2024)
  • 21.3% of county areas are under high flood risk. (GIZ report, 2024)
  • 28.7% of county areas are under moderate flood risk. (GIZ report, 2024)
  • 27.3% of county areas are under low flood risk. (GIZ report, 2024)
  • 13.2% of county areas are under very low flood risk. (GIZ report, 2024)
  • Over 30% of the county area faces high flood risk. (GIZ report, 2024)

Sources:

  • German Corporation for International Cooperation (GIZ) report, 2024
  • Nation, Interview with Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir
  • Nation, Survey in Nyali and Kisauni sub-counties
  • Nation, Interview with matatu driver Ali Suleiman and residents Ms Ester Wamboi and Charles Okoth