Mombasa NbS

Mombasa, Kenya’s second-largest city and key economic hub (5.2% of national GDP), is highly exposed to climate and environmental risks due to its coastal geography and rapid urban growth. Natural ecosystems like mangroves, coral reefs, and wetlands provide vital protection and support tourism and fisheries but are increasingly degraded by urban expansion, poor waste management, and pollution. Seasonal flooding, storm surges, saltwater intrusion, and falling water tables compound these pressures. With coastal erosion already costing $7 million annually—potentially rising to over $300 million by 2050—urgent, integrated action is needed to restore ecosystem services and strengthen urban resilience through Nature-based Solutions (NbS).

To address these escalating challenges, the World Bank is supporting the preparation of a detailed pre-feasibility study on NbS in Mombasa County. The study focuses on reducing flood and erosion risks by restoring and protecting key ecosystems such as wetlands and mangrove forests. It includes ecosystem mapping, policy and regulatory assessments, economic evaluations, and the development of a costed NbS investment plan and policy brief. Through an integrated approach combining ecological, social, and economic analysis, the study provides actionable guidance to integrate NbS into urban planning, enhance coastal resilience, and ensure the sustainable management of Mombasa’s natural assets.