This archive report was first published on 31 October 2019.
Published on October 31, 2019, by Dr. Loice Kipkror, an environmental expert and University of Kabianga professor, highlights the importance of addressing the root causes of floods in Kenya.
Floods are a trepidation to anyone living in a lowland, and their impact can be devastating. In Kenya, floods have both natural and man-made roots. While natural factors such as heavy rainfall can contribute to floods, human activities also play a significant role.
One of the primary causes of floods in Kenya is the lack of tree cover and grass in low-lying areas. When heavy rainfall occurs, the bare land cannot absorb the water, leading to surface runoff and flooding. This is exacerbated by the construction of buildings and roads, which can impede the flow of water and increase the risk of flooding.
In urban areas, the situation is even more dire. Hundreds of hectares of land are covered in concrete, which can easily become a barrier to water flow during heavy rainfall. Clogged drainage channels and the construction of buildings on natural waterways also contribute to the problem.
Furthermore, the careless disposal of waste by individuals can choke drainage systems, leading to flooding. It's essential to take responsibility for our actions and ensure that our waste is disposed of properly.
Dr. Kipkror emphasizes the need for integrated efforts to combat floods and other environmental hazards. This includes auditing existing and future water reservoirs, disseminating weather information, and promoting predictive flood mitigation.
Additionally, the construction of weirs, millponds, levees, dams, dykes, and embankments/bunds on rivers that commonly surrogate floods is crucial. Local administration should also discourage the construction of settlements on dry waterways, as water never forgets its pathway.
Finally, terracing of steep lands and the use of soil retention systems can help to break overland flow and percolate most of the water. In urban areas, all wastewater drainage channels must be cleaned and fresh ones constructed.
Ultimately, understanding that one's safety is one's first responsibility is key to combating floods and their detrimental effects. It's essential to take proactive measures to prevent flooding and ensure that those who refuse to move out of flood ways are forcibly evacuated for their own sake.
