El Nino: Experts Attribute Poor Land Use Planning To Flooding In Kenyan Urban Areas

• The Kenya Red Cross Society reports that as of October 2023, over 120 people have died and 90,000 households have been displaced
• Experts in the construction sector have issued a warning over climate change effects that continue to impact weather patterns
• On Wednesday, December 6, the Architectural Association of Kenya (AAK) released a report titled “AAK Built Environment Report 2023.”

Dennis Lubanga, a Kenyan journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings more than 10 years of experience covering politics, news, and feature stories across digital and print media in Kenya.

Nairobi – In recent weeks, the Horn of Africa has experienced intense rainfall linked to the El Nino weather phenomenon, which has claimed dozens of lives and left a trail of destruction.

The Kenya Red Cross Society reports that as of October 2023, over 120 people have died, 90,000 households have been displaced, over 17,600 acres of farmland have been lost, and 13,400 livestock have been lost.

Experts in the construction sector have issued a warning that, as climate change continues to impact weather patterns, the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events are likely to increase, making it imperative for cities to implement proactive measures.

What are the effects of El Nino in Kenya

For instance, in Kenya, the extent of floods spread to eight (8) regions and 22 counties, with the most affected areas being in the northeastern part of the country as of November 26, 2023.

On Wednesday, December 6, the Architectural Association of Kenya (AAK) released a report titled “AAK Built Environment Report 2023.”

In the report, it emerged that poor land-use planning and inadequate infrastructure contribute significantly to the vulnerability of cities to flooding.

“Rapid urban growth often leads to the conversion of natural water-absorbing areas into concrete jungles, exacerbating the impact of heavy rainfall. In the case of recent heavy downpours and El Niño, the consequences of these factors have become evident in the form of property damage, displacement of residents, and disruptions to critical infrastructure,” the report reads in part.

Already, the Kenya National Highway Authority (KeNHA) reports that intense rains in Marsabit county have led to the washing away or partial destruction of roads and bridges.

“This has created significant challenges in reaching individuals stranded by floodwaters. In addition, key link roads in areas such as Kilifi and Bamburi, among others, have been submerged, rendering them impassable,” the report reads.

Speaking to TUKO.co.ke after the release of the report at a Nairobi hotel, AAK President Florence Nyole observed that the construction industry witnessed a dynamic interplay of forces in 2023, marked by notable achievements and persistent challenges.

How did the Kenyan architecture perform in 2023

According to Nyole, the industry experienced an influx of projects, with the National Construction Authority (NCA) receiving a total of 4,770 applications from January to October 2023.

“The status of the Built Environment (SBE) report provides an overview of the current state of the built environment in Kenya highlighting key trends, challenges, and opportunities. Another issue that the report highlights is the increase in land rates by an alarming 6.41-fold since December 2007,” she added.

Nyole further observed that the absence of essential planning and legal frameworks, such as local physical development plans, zoning regulations, development control regulations, and building regulations, contributed to haphasard developments in urban areas.

“For instance, the Nairobi Development Control Ordinances expired in 2014, and the zoning guidelines have been arbitrary,” she said.

Even as it emerged that implementing Green Infrastructure (GI) is a fundamental component of a resilient flood management strategy.

“This involves creating and preserving natural spaces such as wetlands, green roofs, and permeable pavements that can absorb and slow the flow of rainwater. These green spaces act as natural sponges, reducing the risk of flooding and providing additional benefits such as improved air quality and enhanced biodiversity,” the report seen by TUKO.co.ke reads in part.

Kenya, like many nations, grapples with the dual challenge of water pollution and recurrent flash floods.

The report suggests that another approach to addressing both issues is the restoration and maintenance of clean rivers as a tool for flood mitigation.

“Through partnerships between environmental entities and county governments, existing environmental regulations could be strengthened and enforced as a critical step in preventing industrial pollution and illegal dumping into rivers,” the report reads.

Why did architects meet in Nairobi

Against this backdrop, regulatory bodies have been advised to collaborate with industries to ensure the proper disposal of waste and incentivise environmentally friendly practises.

“Regular inspections and penalties for non-compliance can act as deterrents,” AAK recommended.

TUKO.co.ke understands that, with the rapid onset of global warming, floods will continue to increase in the future.

“This calls for a sustainable transition from flood control to flood resilience. By incorporating sustainable urban drainage systems, integrating green infrastructure, engaging with communities, and leveraging technology for early warning systems,” Nyole added.

TUKO.co.ke previously reported that the International Federation of Landscape Architects (IFLA) World Congress, in collaboration with AAK, held the 8th ILFA African Symposium at a Nairobi hotel.

The theme of this year’s congress was “Emergent Interaction,” which aimed at strengthening the landscape architecture of Agenda 2030 by exploring new forms of collective problem-solving, borderless strategies, and possible networks of ideas and cooperation while keeping the issues of climate change, social inequality, and biodiversity loss at the forefront.

Speaking at the convention, a representative of the Cabinet Secretary of the State Department for Public Works, Chief Architect Lawrence Mochama, emphasised the government’s commitment to making the cities sustainable in line with the African Climate Summit discussions.