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CITIES IN CLIMATE CHANGE INITIATIVE
MOMBASA, KENYA:
STAKEHOLDER CONSULTATION REPORT
FATMA S. TWAHIR
OCTOBER 2010
FOR THE HUMAN SETTLEMENTS OFFICER
URBAN ENVIRONMENTAL AND PLANNING BRANCH
UN-HABITAT
NAIROBI, KENYA.
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ACCRONYMS
CDM
Clean Development Mechanisms
GHG
Green House Gasses
ICZM
Integrated Coastal Zone Management
KFS
Kenya Forest Service
KMA
Kenya Maritime Authority
KMD
Kenya Metrological Department
KPA
Kenya Ports Authority
KWS
Kenya Wildlife Service
KPRL
Kenya Petroleum Refinery Ltd
MCM
Municipal Council of Mombasa.
MCTA
Mombasa Coast Tourist Association
NEMA
National Environment Management Authority
NGO
Non- Governmental Organisation
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Executive Summary
Mombasa is Kenya’s second-largest city, with a population of more than 800,000 people and
accommodating the largest sea port in East Africa, serving many countries in the region.
Mombasa Municipality covers the island, west up Mikindani, South to Shikadabu and North up
to Shanzu. The risks of climate variability and change pose grave threats to the city dwellers’
lives and livelihoods as well as their socioeconomic development. Mombasa is already affected
by sea level rise, flooding, high temperatures and humidity levels. These climate-related
disasters are projected to increase in frequency and intensity with long-term climate change.
City wide stakeholder consultation was done through interviews, telephone inquiries, e-mail
inquiries and workshops. The objective of the consultation was not only to sensitise leaders on
the localised effects of climate change but also to initiate city strategies on managing it.
Priority issues of concern highlighted during stakeholder consultation were:





Education and awareness raising so that consumption habits may be reformed and the
population informed about the existing environmental challenge.
Research – mapping vulnerabilities, biodiversity management, and early warning
systems.
Disaster response strategies and preparedness.
Public infrastructure – improve water supply, sanitation, storm water drainage.
Governance- management of development within the identified vulnerable areas
through legislative mechanisms.
These stated issues are cross-sectoral and overlap different socio-economic groups. CCCI
facilitates active collaboration between MCM and their associates in order to obtain an all
encompassing strategy. MCM therefore needs to steer a committee that would include
representation of the relevant agencies handling the priority issues and backed by the existing
regulatory/ monitoring mechanism; NEMA; which would also provide the national linkage to the
policies and strategies for the country.
The consultation process has highlighted the need for the establishment of an environmental
profile committee that would provide data as baseline of Mombasa’s current environment and
developmental challenges. The need for more research, mapping and other data may be
highlighted by this committee. The need for a campaign was also brought out, to educate the
general public that climate change is anthropogenic and need for change in people’s attitude to
reduce its progression. This campaign would be for different targeted groups using different
media.
The city managers would consequently plan for disaster responses and infrastructure
improvement strategies through their work plan thereby identifying current and future capacity
requirements.
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Table of Contents
ACCRONYMS ............................................................................................................................... 2
Executive Summary ........................................................................................................................ 3
Table of Contents ............................................................................................................................ 4
1.
INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................... 5
2.
CONSULTATION PROCESS ................................................................................................ 7
3.
4.
2.1
Observed Local Impacts................................................................................................... 7
2.2
Issues ................................................................................................................................ 9
CCCI STRATEGIES IN MOMBASA .................................................................................. 11
3.1
Goals .............................................................................................................................. 11
3.2
Management ................................................................................................................... 12
CONCLUSION ..................................................................................................................... 13
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1. INTRODUCTION
Mombasa is Kenya’s second-largest city, with a population of more than 800,000 people. It is
the largest sea port in East Africa, serving many countries in the region. Mombasa Municipality
covers the island, west up Mikindani, South to Shikadabu and North up to Shanzu. The risks of
climate variability and change pose grave threats to the city dwellers’ lives and livelihoods as
well as to the country’s socioeconomic development. Mombasa is already affected by sea level
rise, flooding, high temperatures and humidity levels. These climate-related disasters are
projected to increase in frequency and intensity with long-term climate change.
An estimated 17 per cent of Mombasa’s area (4,600 hectares) could be submerged by a sea-level
rise of 0.3 meters, with a larger area rendered uninhabitable or unusable for agriculture because
of waterlogging and salt stress. Sandy beaches, historic and cultural monuments, and several
hotels, industries and port facilities would also be negatively affected. Mombasa already has a
history of disasters related to climate extremes, including floods that have caused serious
damage and loss of life nearly every year. (B. Awuor et al) Potential impacts of sea-level rise
that could affect Mombasa include:






increased coastal storm damage and flooding;
sea-shore erosion;
salt water intrusion into estuaries and freshwater aquifers and springs;
changes in sedimentation patterns;
decreased light penetration to benthic organisms leading to loss of food for various
marine fauna; and loss of coral reefs, contributing to loss of biodiversity, fisheries and
recreational opportunities, among others.
Sandy beaches and other features, including historical and cultural monuments such as
Fort Jesus, several beach hotels, industries, the ship-docking ports and human settlements
could be negatively affected by sea-level rise.
There will be large areas that may be rendered uninhabitable as a result of flooding or water
logging, or will be agriculturally unsuitable due to salt stress, especially in the peri-urban space
where agriculture is practised. This will be worse hit in areas with inadequate or nonexistent
storm water drainage; mainly seen in unplanned settlements inhabited by the poor. Unplanned
settlements and structures have encroached into areas demarcated for infrastructure such as
roads, drainage and sewerage lines, not only increase the risk of flooding whenever it rains but
also make rescue operations difficult whenever disasters strike. Increased and unpredictable
rainfall patterns cause steep areas to become dangerous and loose bringing about risks of
landslides. These steep areas are occupied by marginalised poor in need of accommodation close
to their work place to save on transportation. Being poor, their housing structures are not
adequately designed to cater for the structural stability of these steep areas.
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An increase in temperatures and humidity could create health-related problems such as heat
stress, both on land and in the ocean, leading to ecosystem disruption, migration and the possible
extinction of various species of fauna, flora and microorganisms. In addition, increased
temperatures could result in the increased use of energy to power air conditioners. This increased
use of energy for cooling would essentially mean increased use of fossil fuels, as Kenya partly
generates her electricity from imported fossil fuel resources. These adaptation mechanisms are
accessible to the rich but the poor living in informal settlements would have their productivity
reduced due to effects of extreme temperatures.
There are various actors playing diverse climate change related interventions like research, data
collections, project implementation, awareness building and social adaptation. These
stakeholders were consulted in order to generate a common city wide approach towards
combating climate change.
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2. CONSULTATION PROCESS
The consultation was done using various means:




Interviews with concerned personnel
Telephone inquiries
E-mail inquiries
Workshops
Workshops were organised for different targeted audiences.
2.1
Observed Local Impacts
There were 2 consultation workshops held. One workshop was conducted to sensitise the
political and administrative heads of the Local authority on Climate change cause and effect,
hence the need for adaptation and mitigation as part of their city planning.
local leaders sensitised on climate
change
The councillors proceeded to identify
areas that have experienced climate
change
impacts
within
their
constituencies. These impacts mainly
included:
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
Heavy rainfall hence floods causing destruction to infrastructure (roads, drainage,
sewage), migration of people affected, water-borne disease e.g. cholera, malaria,
typhoid, dysentery, etc, landslide in some areas.

High temperatures creating discomfort due to excessive heat, loss of marine species.etc
thus resulting to dehydration. This is worsened by scarcity of water.

Rise in sea level causing extinction of mangroves and scarcity and extinction of certain
fish species, decline in fish production creating food insecurity.
discussion
In conclusion the councillors requested for the formation of steering committee to manage
climate change efforts within the municipality. and understood the need for a well planned
intervention to deal with the implications of climate change.
stakeholder workshop
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The following workshop was for professionals and sector based government agencies, public
research institutions, private sector, NGOs and individuals with interest in environmental issues.
CCCI objectives were debated followed by Mombasa’s vulnerability and national response
strategies. Thereafter discussion was on the priority issues of concern for the MCM to focus in
managing climate change. The chief officers of MCM were present in both workshops so they
can participate first hand in these discussions.
2.2
Issues
Mombasa’s climate change impacts and sector response include:

Beaches and shoreline - Mombasa’s coastline covering 4 – 6 km wide is a low lying area
which is likely to be submerged with a rise in sea level of only 0.3 metres. It is observed
that beaches and shoreline protection is constrained by the current property development.
Some beaches could eventually disappear as the sea level rises. Already, hotels along the
Kenyan coastline have been forced to construct sea walls to protect against increasingly
strong sea tides. Estuarine ecosystems and mangroves have also been submerged. Although
legislation exists, for e.g. the observance of 60metres set back distance which is sometimes
not observed, relocating these people living within this area means a handsome
compensation required.

Water resources management - Fresh water supply has been a challenge in Mombasa
and situation will be made worse with the increasing population and anticipated
compromised quality and quantity. The Water Act 2002 has brought reforms into the water
sector which ranges from protection of water sources, monitoring the quality and supply.
Efforts are being made to construct upstream reservoirs that will capture increased amounts
of rainfall for the dry seasons.

Energy supply - increase in energy demand, increases pressure biomass based source of
energy which will have significant effect on local environment as increased urban
population will consume more biomass energy. The government is now moving into
harnessing renewable sources of energy such as wind and solar. Mombasa has the potential
of harnessing winds in the ocean for power supply.

Forestry – deforestation has triggered massive erosion due to arid land. Government bodies
need to impose harsh Laws against cutting of trees to reduce global warming caused by
excessive emission of greenhouse gases (GHGs) into the environment.

Agriculture – food security is crucial. Ministry of agriculture has policy in place that
complements the Forest Act that emphases on the 10% of tree cover on agricultural land.
There is now advancement in planting of early maturing crops and diversification. There is
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also a shift to irrigation farming that requires construction of dams to ensure agricultural
productivity continues to feed the populations in urban centres.

Fisheries - Changes in ocean circulation are predicted to lead to loss of certain fish
populations or establishment of new ones. Impact on marine ecosystem directly affects the
fisheries and communities who rely fishing industry for their socio-economic development.
Ministry of fisheries is developing policies for enhancement of this industry. KEMFRI has
continued to conduct research in these area in order to assist the government with the
development of policies. The ICZM Framework has been developed.

Tourism - If factors that attract tourism decline due climate change then this will affect
Mombasa because its economic growth is partly due to tourism. Decline in tourism would
lead to loss of employment and revenue for the country. It would also negatively impact
negatively affect economic growth of Mombasa City.

Urban planning and development – how best to address improvements of Mombasa as a
town under constraint by population size increasing drastically which causes exhaustion of
its resources for e.g. water, land, etc. Development master plan should be in place that
provides for zoning and other infrastructural development. Development plans should seek
approval from all relevant authorities.

Transport - Improvement on road infrastructure will improve road network to reduce
traffic jams and gas emissions.

Population and livelihood (Rural-urban migration)
 Waste Management – Improved waste management will significantly improve on the
quality of life and reduced GHG emissions. Mombasa currently faces serious challenge
of waste management both solid and liquid. Need for effective MCM by-laws. Waste
management regulations are in place that obligates every stakeholder to effectively and
efficiently manage waste. The council should consider building of sanitary landfill.
Storm water need to be managed to improve hygiene and sanitation.
 Human Health – Safe water and improved sanitation, surveillance, Health infrastructure
expansion, medicine, public awareness and participation. Measures that will incorporate
climate change impacts need to be developed to monitor related diseases before they
cause havoc.
 Urban Housing - Provision of adequate good housing would be a challenge for Mombasa
with the increasing population. Temporary structure in informal settlements have a
higher vulnerability to climate change impacts.
Response to climate change is still poor due to poverty, weak institutions, poor infrastructure,
inadequate information, poor access to financial resources, low management capabilities and
others. These key sectors need to be represented collectively to formulate a joint strategy.
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3. CCCI STRATEGIES IN MOMBASA
Cities are vulnerable because they are key drivers of climate change due to their high energy
consumption, highest emitters of GHG and accommodate 50% of the world’s population.
Majority of the urban poor are located in high risk areas which are unplanned, underserviced
with substandard housing. The stakeholders agreed that adaptation and mitigation measures
should be considered concurrently as they are interconnected and mutually supportive in
responding to Climate Change. Mitigation options included energy efficiency in MCM facilities
for e.g. street lighting, water pumps and transport system to be reviewed; fore sighting of
transport and infrastructure planning; promoting energy efficient building materials; landfill
management; protecting forest and watersheds; and promoting Clean Development Mechanism
(CDM) e.g. solar power. Adaptation options discussed include maintenance of storm water
drainage system; early warning system i.e. disaster preparedness; and enhancing community
resilience e.g. relocating of people, etc
These stated measures are cross-sectoral and overlap different socio-economic groups. CCCI
facilitates active collaboration between MCM and their associates in order to obtain an all
encompassing strategy. MCM needs to steer a committee that would include representation of
the relevant agencies handling the priority issues and backed by the existing regulatory/
monitoring mechanism; NEMA; which would also provide the national linkage to the policies
and strategies for the country.
3.1
Goals
Priority issues of concern highlighted during stakeholder consultation were:





Education and awareness raising so that consumption habits may be reformed and the
population informed about the existing environmental challenge.
Research – mapping vulnerabilities, biodiversity management, and early warning
systems.
Disaster response strategies and preparedness.
Public infrastructure – improve water supply, sanitation, storm water drainage.
Governance- management of development within the identified vulnerable areas
through legislative mechanisms.
Climate change is a phenomenon affecting the environment and development activities, hence
the need to develop strategies, formulate policies, do systematic research and disseminate
information to help in adapting to the impact of the change.
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3.2
Management
As the effects of climate change are cross sectoral, an effective city strategy needs to involve
various stakeholders. Two committee have been formed:
1. Climate Change Streering Committe: to lead climate change initiatives in Mombasa. It is
comprised of:
a. MCM- Department of Environment
b. MCM- Department of Engineering
c. MCM- Department of Planning and Architecture
d. MCM- Town Clerk’s department- valuation
e. MCM Department of Education
f. MCM- Department of Social Services
g. NEMA
h. KMD
i. Climate Change Consultant
2. Environmental Profile Committee: to provide and compile baseline information of
Mombasa. It is comprised of:
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.
h.
i.
j.
k.
l.
m.
n.
o.
MCM- Department of Environment
MCM- Department of Engineering
MCM- Department of Planning and Architecture
Climate Change Consultant
NEMA
KMD
KFS
KWS
KMA
Department of Fisheries
KMFRI
KPA
KPRL
MCTA
Mombasa Polytechnic University
The committee will meet to assess the contents, provide the information, compile and
edit into a comprehensible document that represents the situation of Mombasa
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4. CONCLUSION
The environmental profile committee is to be commissioned with commitment to provide data as
baseline of Mombasa’s current environment and developmental challenges conditions. The need
for more research, mapping and other data will be brought out by this committee.
The consultation process has highlighted the need for a campaign to educate the general public
that climate change is anthropogenic and need for change in people’s attitude to reduce its
progression. This campaign would be for different targeted groups using different media.
The city managers are now expected to internalise the need to plan for disaster responses and
infrastructure improvement and strategise their work plans to include them. Goals and objectives
need to be set so that they can identify current and future risks hence handling mechanisms. This
would consequently involve assessing their current departmental capabilities and identifying
shortfalls in their capacity to handle these issues.
.
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