Activists Warn Mombasa Infrastructure at Risk as Heavy Rains Expose Sewage Crisis

Residents and civil society groups in Mombasa have raised alarm over the city’s ageing infrastructure, warning that continued heavy rains could overwhelm drainage systems and worsen flooding across the coastal city.

Speaking in Mombasa, Hussein Khalid, the Chief Executive Officer of Vocal Africa, cautioned that the city is facing a severe sewage and drainage crisis due to outdated infrastructure that has not kept pace with population growth and urban development.

Khalid said the situation is particularly worrying during the ongoing rainy season, as many drainage channels are either blocked or too old to handle large volumes of water.

“Mombasa’s ageing infrastructure can easily be overwhelmed by heavy rains,” he warned, noting that poor drainage systems have already contributed to sewage overflows and flooding in several neighborhoods.

Calls for Urgent Infrastructure Upgrades

Civil society activists and residents have urged the County Government of Mombasa to urgently invest in modern drainage systems to prevent a worsening public health crisis.

They warned that years of neglect and limited upgrades to critical infrastructure have left the coastal city vulnerable during periods of intense rainfall.

Among the issues cited by residents are overflowing sewage lines, crumbling roads, erratic electricity supply, and inadequate drainage systems, which they say continue to disrupt daily life.

Activists called on Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir and Members of the County Assembly to prioritize public welfare and infrastructure development.

“We need leaders who focus on solving the real problems affecting residents rather than pursuing personal political ambitions,” one activist said during the meeting.

Colonial-Era Infrastructure Under Pressure

According to civic groups, much of Mombasa’s drainage and sewer infrastructure dates back to the colonial period and has deteriorated significantly over time without major modernization.

The ageing systems are now struggling to support the city’s growing population and expanding urban settlements.

Experts warn that unless urgent upgrades are carried out, heavy rains could continue to trigger flooding, environmental pollution, and increased health risks for residents.

National Flood Concerns

The warnings come as several parts of Nairobi and other regions of Kenya have recently experienced devastating floods that have claimed lives and destroyed property.

Authorities and disaster response agencies have issued national alerts as the rainy season intensifies, urging communities and local governments to strengthen preparedness and improve infrastructure resilience.

Activists in Mombasa say the situation should serve as a wake-up call for both county and national leaders to address long-standing infrastructure challenges before the crisis worsens. 🌧️🏙️