Kenya’s coastal city of Mombasa is no stranger to the growing pressures of extreme weather, sea-level rise, and rapid urbanization. As one of East Africa’s largest port cities and a hub for trade, tourism, and transport, Mombasa plays a vital role in national and regional economic development. But this prominence also comes with risk. Increasing flood events, outdated drainage infrastructure, and unchecked urban growth are exposing the city’s residents, economy, and environment to mounting climate hazards.

Since late 2023, the Africa Caribbean Pacific-European Union (ACP-EU) Disaster Risk Management Program, a trust fund under the Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery (GFDRR), has supported World Bank-led efforts across Africa to generate risk information and technical inputs that inform larger investments and strengthen climate resilience and disaster risk reduction in national and local policymaking. With 15 grants now under implementation, 12 in individual countries and three through regional economic communities, the program represents a €7.14 million portfolio aimed at advancing risk-informed investment and planning.

While many projects are in their first year, work in Mombasa is already producing tangible results. A flood risk and capacity-building needs assessment is well underway, charting a clear course toward a more resilient urban future. Funded by the ACP-EU Disaster Risk Management Program under GFDRR and implemented by the World Bank in close coordination with the EU,  this effort is laying the groundwork for better urban risk management and more climate-smart infrastructure. 

Investing in Infrastructure for a Safer, Greener Mombasa

Mombasa, a major seaport and gateway to Kenya and the wider East Africa region, faces complex challenges, from inadequate urban drainage systems and persistent encroachment on flood-prone areas to heightened vulnerability to coastal erosion and extreme weather.

The “Enhancing Infrastructure Resilience in the Mombasa Metropolitan Area” project is tackling these issues by improving the understanding of how urban infrastructure and services in Mombasa are exposed to floods and coastal erosion risks. This enhanced understanding is now informing infrastructure investments by the EU, the World Bank, and others, and complements related initiatives like the Mombasa City LAB, supported by the German Development Authority (GIZ) through the Covenant of Mayors in Sub-Saharan Africa.

A strategic flood risk assessment study of Mombasa is already well underway with preliminary exposure analysis conducted in Mombasa City County. The study incorporates climate scenarios to anticipate future risks and informs the prioritization of risk reduction measures, with an emphasis on nature-based solutions.

The final report will help identify the city's most vulnerable areas and propose actionable next steps, ranging from enhancing early warning systems, improving drainage infrastructure, and reinforcing natural coastal barriers like mangrove restoration. The recommendations will include green, gray, or hybrid infrastructure investments where appropriate with a goal of providing a roadmap for future investments that are targeted, sustainable, and aligned with Mombasa’s long-term resilience strategy.

Beyond Infrastructure: Strengthening Institutions and Policy

In parallel, an institutional capacity-building needs analysis is underway to review the effectiveness of the existing policy framework and building recommendations for its improvement. A review of zoning laws, building codes, and urban expansion plans will help determine how effectively resilience is being integrated in high-risk areas.

These studies show that disaster risk reduction efforts are not limited to hard infrastructure. City officials now have a clearer understanding of their city's vulnerabilities and are applying this knowledge to develop more effective strategies for managing risks. Public awareness is also growing, empowering communities to take proactive steps to mitigate risk.

Connecting to Broader Development Efforts

The grant’s ripple effects are already visible. The Mombasa-Kilifi highway, funded as part of the Global Gateway EU-Africa Investment Package, passes through a flood impact zone and needs to integrate these risks into its design and implementation. Another example is the EIB’s Mombasa Solid Waste Circular Economy Project, enacted under COPIP (Clean Oceans Project Identification and Preparation). The results of the final study will help identify opportunities for further cooperation, as poor solid waste management is a critical factor for exacerbating flood risk.

The strategic flood risk assessments, policy recommendations, and capacity-building initiatives are not only enhancing the resilience of urban infrastructure but also empowering local communities to better manage flood risks. 

Thanks to the continued support of the EU and its partners, Mombasa is paving the way towards sustainable development that places long-term resilience at the core of urban growth.