Rising sea could swallow Mombasa in 20 years

• How climate change threatens coastal town’s 800,000 people and tourist wealth

He said KTB was working with other government agencies to ensure steps are taken to preserve the city.

The book proposes a broad range of measures to help cushion Mombasa against the worst effects of the rise in sea level.

It urges authorities to seek a solution to the problem of land ownership, arguing the large number of squatters makes it difficult to have planned settlements and provide basic services to reduce the risk of flooding.

The authorities should repossess all public utility land and beach access roads that have been allocated to private developers, the scientists recommend.

In addition, they should construct and maintain drainage facilities in estates in low-lying areas and with poor water seepage to reduce prolonged flooding and its resultant side effects.

The building code in the area, say the scientists, should also be reviewed to promote “building standards that can accommodate future climatic conditions such as high temperatures, humidity and flooding”.

“For example, it would be useful to construct buildings with strong, unoccupied open spaces on the ground floor; these could avert damage and loss of property and life during floods. Also, buildings could be designed and constructed in ways that promote natural air circulation and cooling to reduce temperatures and high humidity indoors,” the scientists say.

Other measures urged are reforestation to ensure a healthy sea wall and early warning systems for climate-related disasters.

The Kenyan chapter primarily focused on Mombasa city’s four divisions, Mombasa Island, Kisauni, Likoni and Changamwe.

Dr Mariga says the effects of climate change will be felt acutely not only in the island but further inland. He says measures should be taken to help locals adapt to changes that will affect agriculture, considering many areas at the Coast already experience low productivity.

“Considering some agricultural land will be covered by water, there should be an effort to help people grow salt tolerant crops and also engage in activities such as fishing,” he says.