Flooding, Extreme Heat Deepen Crisis in Mombasa Informal Settlements, Report Reveals

By Mbungu Harrison

Email, thecoastnewspaper@gmail.com

A new baseline report on climate risks in Mombasa’s informal settlements has revealed that flooding and extreme heat are severely disrupting livelihoods, damaging homes, and exposing thousands of residents to growing health and economic risks.

The DARAJA Mombasa Baseline Report (March 2026) done by Dream Achievers Youth Organization (DAYO) shows that 76 per cent of residents experienced flooding in the past year, while an even higher 91 per cent reported extreme heat, highlighting a dual climate threat facing vulnerable urban communities.The findings were unveiled during a validation meeting that brought together key stakeholders in Mombasa, including government agencies, climate experts and community actors.

Mombasa County fire chief officer Ibrahim Basafar said the report would play a critical role in shaping policy and planning.

“This report will inform the county on budget-making processes, especially in addressing climate-related risks such as flooding and extreme heat,” he said.

The study, conducted by Resurgence, DAYO and the Kenya Meteorological Department (KMD), surveyed 523 households across six settlements including Bangladesh, Chaani, Junda and Ziwa la Ng’ombe.

It found that climate hazards are no longer occasional shocks, but recurring events with devastating consequences.

“Water rises very fast… you wake up and find water already inside the house,” Kalama Feisal resident of Ziwa La Ngome said illustrating the sudden and destructive nature of floods.

According to the findings flooding is largely driven by poor drainage systems, blocked waterways, and unplanned settlements in low-lying areas.

More than 76 per cent of affected households reported housing damage, while nearly 20 per cent said their homes were completely destroyed.

Health impacts are equally severe. About 69 per cent of residents linked flooding to disease outbreaks caused by contaminated water, while extreme heat has led to rising cases of skin infections, headaches and respiratory complications.

“We experience asthma attacks, skin rashes, and recurrent boils due to heat,” another respondent noted.

The report further reveals that climate shocks are hitting already fragile livelihoods. Most residents depend on informal jobs such as vending and casual labour with 90 per cent earning below Ksh25,000 per month.

Floods disrupt businesses, damage stock and limit mobility, while heat reduces productivity and increases food spoilage.

Despite the scale of the crisis, access to weather and climate information remains limited. Only 50.6 per cent of residents receive weather updates, although 86 per cent share the information with others, indicating strong community networks that could be leveraged for early warning systems.

However, many residents say the information often arrives too late or lacks local detail.

“We receive the message when it is already raining,” a participant said, pointing to gaps in timely and actionable communication.

DAYO Programs Officer Enos Opiyo described the findings as a vital tool for decision-making.

“This is one of the best reports that will help inform decision-making on climate risks and how to respond effectively at the community and county levels,” he said.

The report also paints a grim picture of institutional response. Only 11 per cent of affected households received any form of support, and just 3 per cent believe the government is effectively addressing flood risks.

Experts now warn that without urgent improvements in early warning systems, drainage infrastructure and community preparedness, climate risks will continue to escalate.

The DARAJA project recommends a shift towards localized, timely and actionable weather information delivered through SMS, radio and community networks.

It also calls for stronger coordination between government agencies, media and local leaders to ensure communities can act before disasters strike.

The findings underscore a critical message: climate change is no longer a distant threat for Mombasa’s informal settlements it is a daily reality demanding immediate and coordinated action.