Discussion Paper No. 243 of 2020 on Effects of Drought and Floods on Infrastructure in Kenya

Abstract

Reliable and efficient infrastructure underpins sustainable economic and social development. However, events associated with climate change, such as droughts and floods, affect the provision of infrastructure. In the past, Kenya has largely reacted rather than being proactive in managing the effects of droughts and floods on infrastructure. This is clearly demonstrated by inadequate level of preparedness experienced before, during and after events of droughts and floods. Further, Kenya is infrastructure-deficit, and large portions of the infrastructure has not developed significantly and is exposed to major risks that emanate from natural disasters. When droughts and floods happen, they expose infrastructure to more risks of structural damage, wearing out and aging quickly, and thus increasing maintenance costs. This research discusses the effects of droughts and floods on infrastructure based on a primary study carried out in 27 counties in Kenya that experience either droughts, floods or both, and relevant secondary data on droughts and floods in Kenya to compliment the primary data...