Overview
Mathare, one of Nairobi’s oldest and most densely populated informal settlements, is home to over 206,000 residents spread across just 3 square kilometers. Chronic challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, poor drainage, and limited services amplify the risks of flooding.
During the April 2024 long rains, Mathare faced catastrophic flooding due to heavy rainfall, poor drainage systems, and encroachment on riparian land. The impact was devastating:
- Thousands displaced
- Homes and schools destroyed
- Public health crises emerged
Objective of the Study
The study aimed to assess the impact of flooding on:
- Households and schools
- Lives lost and displaced
- Sanitation infrastructure
- Socio-economic and environmental stability
Methodology
The research was conducted over six months (April–December 2024), employing a mix of qualitative and quantitative methods:
- Household Surveys: Data collected from over 1,000 households.
- Key Informant Interviews (KIIs): Insights from community leaders, school heads, health workers, and local officials.
- Focus Group Discussions (FGDs): Diverse perspectives from women, youth, and men.
- Field Observations: Documentation of infrastructure damage.
- Secondary Data Analysis: Supplementary data from reports by NGOs, government agencies, and health facilities.
- Community Feedback Forums: Firsthand accounts from residents and recovery proposals.
Key Findings
Impact by Ward
| Ward | Households Affected | Schools Damaged | Lives Lost | Sanitation Facilities Destroyed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mlango Kubwa | 1,800 | 2 schools, 1,200 students | 7 | 4 communal toilets, 3 water points |
| Mabatini | 2,500 | 3 schools, 1,800 learners | 9 | 5 public toilets |
| Hospital Ward | 2,200 | 2 schools | 5 | 6 communal toilets |
| Utalii Ward | 1,300 | 1 school, 500 students | 4 | 2 sanitation blocks |
Aftermath and Challenges
Public Health Risks
- Cholera and typhoid outbreaks due to contaminated water.
- Increased respiratory infections.
Educational Disruption
- Over 4,500 children displaced from schools.
- Destruction of educational materials.
Economic Devastation
- Informal businesses, vital for household income, were destroyed.
Mental Health Crisis
- High levels of trauma, particularly among children and mothers.
Environmental Degradation
- Floodwaters spread pollution and waste, further degrading the environment.
Community Feedback
Residents expressed:
- Fear and Anxiety: Concerns over unresolved drainage issues and future flooding.
- Government Response: Frustration over delayed and inadequate support.
- Mental Health Struggles: Children experiencing nightmares and behavioral changes.
Recommendations
Short-Term Interventions
- Sanitation: Rebuild facilities to curb disease outbreaks.
- Relief: Provide temporary shelters, clean water, and food.
- Healthcare: Deploy mobile clinics and mental health counselors.
Long-Term Solutions
- Drainage Systems: Upgrade infrastructure in flood-prone areas.
- Housing: Relocate vulnerable households and build flood-resistant housing.
- Education: Repair schools, create temporary learning spaces, and distribute educational materials.
Livelihood Restoration
- Launch grants or loans for small businesses.
- Introduce cash-for-work programs to repair infrastructure.
Community Resilience
- Partner with local organizations to enhance disaster preparedness.
- Conduct environmental conservation and waste management education campaigns.
Conclusion
The April 2024 Mathare floods exposed systemic vulnerabilities that demand urgent attention. A multi-stakeholder approach is essential, combining:
- Immediate relief efforts.
- Long-term investments in infrastructure, health, and education.
Mto Wangu Initiative calls on the government, civil society, and private sector to collaborate in prioritizing Mathare’s recovery and resilience. Without decisive action, Mathare remains trapped in a cycle of vulnerability and disaster.
Prepared by: Faith Adoyo, Mto Wangu Initiative | December 2024