
In Nairobi, the adverse climate change effects manifest in water scarcity, degraded urban agriculture as they depend on rainwater for agriculture, and a burgeoning urban population that requires various social amenities such as housing and schools. The growth of informal settlements threatens various biodiversity hubs by encroachment, pollution, and land-use and land-use changes. Thus, incorporating NbS can likely empower the various actors in this city to increase their climate resilience.
In Nairobi, in response to climate change related drought, flooding and water quality risks nature-based solutions have been employed as part of the Kibera Public Space project which transformed a neglected dumping ground into a vibrant public space using a series of nature-based interventions such as rain gardens and permeable paving integrated with grey infrastructure. It is being implemented by Nairobi City County, UN-Habitat, Private sector, and Community groups. Community groups were very pivotal in bringing the desired change.
Further the afforestation of the Karura forest, an urban forest in Nairobi, with indigenous trees provides opportunities for reducing extreme heat in the city while providing for green recreational spaces and connections to nature.
Nairobi team
City lead
Outputs from Nairobi
CLARE is a flagship research programme on climate adaptation and resilience, funded mostly (about 90%) by UK Aid through the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) & co-funded by the International Development Research Centre (IDRC), Canada.