Community Resilience And Flood Response Strategies In Nairobi'S Mavoko Peri-Urban Settlements
Jane Njeri Wanjiru
Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology
Samuel Kipchoge Kiplagat
Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology
Abstract
The increasing prevalence of peri-urban settlement activities has led to a rise in environmental abuse and flooding, resulting in a growing global concern. Recent events in various countries, including the United States, Australia, Brazil, Pakistan, Scotland, Sri Lanka, and the United Kingdom, have highlighted the multifaceted nature of these challenges. African cities such as Accra, Kano, Kampala, Maputo, and Bujumbura have also witnessed serious flooding, with Nairobi in Kenya experiencing annual inundation during the rainy season. This study explores the management of urban and peri-urban flooding in the context of national disaster policies and response mechanisms, focusing on the case of Nairobi, Kenya. While some countries have established national disaster and emergency agencies to coordinate responses involving multiple stakeholders, including NGOs and private agencies, Kenya's National Disaster and Management Agency, operationalized through the National Disaster Management Policy of 2004, appears to lack specific provisions for the management of urban floods. Consequently, these events tend to receive delayed responses from the relevant authorities. The response to flood events in urban and peri-urban settlements primarily relies on individual or household-based approaches, often implemented in ad hoc and unsustainable ways. This research aims to shed light on the challenges and limitations of the existing disaster management framework in addressing urban and peri-urban flooding, particularly in Nairobi, Kenya. It examines the prevailing practices employed by residents to mitigate the impact of floods, such as fortifying their homes with makeshift structures, temporarily relocating to safer areas, and constructing flood barriers. The study also evaluates the role of social actors, including NGOs and private agencies, in facilitating community participation during flood events. By analyzing the unique dynamics of urban and peri-urban flooding and the shortcomings in the current disaster management policy, this research contributes to a better understanding of the vulnerabilities and resilience of these communities. It underscores the need for tailored strategies and policy adjustments to ensure more effective and sustainable responses to urban flooding events. This study serves as a valuable resource for policymakers, urban planners, and disaster management agencies seeking to enhance their preparedness and response mechanisms for flood events in peri-urban settings.