Mombasa Launches City LAB to Combat Urban Flooding
Mombasa County has inaugurated the City LAB, a new initiative aimed at addressing persistent urban flooding that affects residents and businesses across the coastal city. The program seeks to develop innovative, data-driven solutions to manage stormwater, improve drainage systems, and mitigate the social and economic impacts of seasonal floods. County officials emphasized that urban flooding has long disrupted transportation, education, and trade, highlighting the urgency for coordinated action.
City LAB will bring together engineers, urban planners, environmental scientists, and local communities to test practical interventions for flood management. These include improving existing drainage infrastructure, creating green spaces for water absorption, and implementing real-time monitoring of water levels. The initiative also encourages citizen participation, allowing residents to report flood-prone areas and contribute to long-term solutions. Officials noted that past flooding episodes have caused significant property damage, health hazards, and disruptions to business activity, making proactive planning essential.
Residents have welcomed the move, expressing hope that the program will lead to tangible improvements before the next rainy season. Stakeholders are optimistic that City LAB’s evidence-based approach could serve as a model for other flood-prone counties in Kenya. Looking ahead, Mombasa County plans to integrate City LAB findings into broader urban planning and disaster management strategies to create a safer, more resilient city for its inhabitants.